Woman and Child (originally Première Impression d'Amour) c. 1885 - 1901

Auguste Rodin carved this sculpture, "Woman and Child," in marble, capturing a timeless tableau of maternal love. The tender embrace of the figures evokes the ancient motif of the Madonna and Child, echoing images of goddesses nurturing their offspring found in diverse cultures. Consider, for instance, how the protective gesture of the mother, cradling the infant, resonates with the Egyptian depiction of Isis nursing Horus. This motif transcends geographical boundaries and resurfaces through the ages, embodying universal emotions of care and protection. In Rodin's sculpture, this act of nurturing transcends the personal. It taps into a deep-seated, collective memory of familial bonds. The woman's gentle gaze and the child's innocent reach trigger a psychological response, engaging viewers on a subconscious level, evoking primal feelings of love, security, and the continuity of life.