Portret van Caroline Curzon en haar zoon John c. 1760 - 1762

James Watson created this mezzotint portrait of Carolina Lady Scarsdale and her son, John Curzon, in England. It presents a vision of elite motherhood in the late 18th century. Lady Scarsdale is depicted in a domestic setting, gazing calmly at the viewer while tenderly holding her young son. The work conveys an image of aristocratic grace and maternal devotion, reinforced by the landscape painting behind them and the classical drapery. But this is not just a private image; it was made as a print, to be circulated and sold. So we must consider the politics of this imagery. Consider the role of institutions like the print market in shaping ideals of femininity and family. To understand this, you might consult conduct books, fashion plates, and other visual and textual sources from the period. Approaching art with attention to its social and institutional context reveals how images reflect and reinforce societal values.