Seated Woman with a Child on Her Lap 1873

This terracotta sculpture of a seated woman with a child on her lap was created by Georg Christian Freund. The motif of a mother and child resonates deeply, echoing ancient depictions of the Madonna and Child. In antiquity, the goddess Isis was often portrayed nursing her son Horus, a symbol of divine motherhood and nurturing. This image evolved through the centuries, reappearing in Christian art as the Virgin Mary cradling the infant Jesus, embodying themes of love, protection, and sacrifice. The intimate embrace and tender gaze between the mother and child touch on the primeval human experiences of belonging and security. It speaks to our collective memory, conjuring up images of maternal love that are embedded in our cultural and subconscious understanding. This enduring symbol transcends time and place, reminding us of the fundamental bonds that connect humanity.