The Young Mother 1896

Bessie Potter Vonnoh created this bronze sculpture of a young mother and child. It is undated. Vonnoh's work emerged in the late 19th and early 20th century, during a period of significant social change for women in the United States. As women increasingly sought education and professional opportunities, artistic representations of motherhood became a potent symbol of both traditional values and evolving roles. The sculpture embodies the idealized vision of domesticity that was prevalent at the time. The image creates meaning through its gentle lines and intimate portrayal of maternal affection. Although the artist was a woman, it’s difficult to know whether she intended it as a progressive statement about women artists or as a reinforcement of conservative norms. To understand its social and cultural context, it's essential to consult period sources, like women's magazines, and the records of art institutions of the time, revealing the complex interplay between art, gender, and societal expectations. The meaning of art is always contingent on its social and institutional context.