Young Caretaker (also known as Motherhood) 1899

Lilla Cabot Perry likely painted this oil on canvas, titled Young Caretaker, while living in Japan between 1898 and 1901. This was a time when Western artists were drawn to Japan, influenced by Japonism and seeking new perspectives. The painting depicts a young Japanese girl, presumably a caretaker, with a smaller child on her back. The painting offers an intimate glimpse into Japanese family life, but it also raises questions about cultural representation and the gaze of the Western artist. Perry, as a woman artist, might have been particularly drawn to the theme of motherhood. The artwork invites us to consider the role of women in different cultures and the ways in which their identities are shaped by societal expectations and responsibilities. The emotional intensity of the young caretaker's gaze conveys a weight of responsibility, reflecting broader societal structures.