Zittende vrouw en staand kind 1855 - 1914

Bernardus Johannes Blommers created this sketch, “Zittende vrouw en staand kind”, using graphite. The seated woman, head bowed, exudes the timeless symbol of maternal care. The child, standing beside her, looks up, the pair forming a poignant tableau of familial connection. This motif echoes through art history: recall the countless Madonna and Child depictions, where the protective embrace signifies not just love but a sacred bond. The bowed head of the mother here, while simple, reverberates with images of mourning or contemplation. Consider its contrast to the triumphant raised head of a classical hero. Such gestures tap into a collective memory, stirring subconscious emotions. The bowed head, a universal sign of humility or sorrow, engages viewers on a deep, psychological level. The non-linear progression of this symbol resurfaces through the ages, evolving and adapting across diverse historical contexts.