Vrouw maalt mais met een kind op haar rug before 1886

José Augusto da Cunha Moraes made this artwork, titled 'Woman Grinding Corn with a Child on Her Back,' using unspecified techniques. The image centres on the universal motif of motherhood, depicting a woman with a child secured to her back, engaged in the labor of grinding corn. This primal scene is reminiscent of ancient fertility figures, where the woman symbolizes both nurturer and provider. The child, close to the mother, evokes a sense of protection and the continuity of life. We see echoes of this in images of the Madonna and Child, where the maternal bond is sacralized. This motif resurfaces throughout history, evolving yet retaining its core essence: the profound connection between mother and child, a psychological anchor that resonates across cultures. The weight of her labor, combined with the burden of her child, speaks to the strength inherent in women. It's a poignant reminder of the cyclical nature of life, of how ancient archetypes persist, shaping our perceptions and engaging our subconscious.