Knælende kvinde, der løfter et barn op og kysser det 1854 - 1865

Editor: This marble sculpture by Georg Christian Freund, created between 1854 and 1865, is called "Kneeling Woman Lifting a Child and Kissing Him". I find the subject matter, a mother kissing her child, very touching. How do you interpret this work? Curator: On the surface, it appears to be a sentimental genre scene, a celebration of motherhood typical of the 19th century. But let’s think about the power dynamics at play. This idealised vision, constructed in marble, naturalises certain roles. Who does it serve, and whose voices are unheard? Do you think this reflects or subverts any societal expectations? Editor: Well, the sculpture depicts the mother as nurturing and devoted. Would it be unusual for its time? Curator: That's not necessarily unusual. It upholds an idealised view of femininity – the nurturing mother, the private sphere of the home. It would serve to further define this space. What about the absence of the father? What does this emphasis on a seemingly isolated mother-child relationship tell us about the social structure of that time? How does the material – cool, white marble – influence your understanding of this relationship? Editor: It does seem to portray women almost solely in the role of motherhood. Maybe marble was seen as 'pure,' like motherhood? Curator: Precisely. By connecting "purity" and "motherhood", expectations get transferred onto women. If this weren't marble but dark wood, how would that change your reading? Materiality isn't neutral, right? This artist makes specific choices within a complex historical context. Editor: I see. So it’s not just a sentimental scene, but also a reflection, or perhaps even a reinforcement, of the social norms of the period. Considering how it relates to social issues does change its effect. Curator: Absolutely! It’s a reminder that even seemingly innocent depictions can carry significant ideological weight. Keep digging beneath the surface. Editor: That's given me so much to think about. Thank you for sharing a new perspective.