Sitzende Frau, die ein Kind auf dem Schoß hält c. 1770 - 1774

Georg Melchior Kraus made this sketch of a seated woman holding a child in her lap. The image speaks to a particular construction of domesticity and femininity. Produced in Germany in the late 18th century, it reflects the Enlightenment’s interest in naturalism and the idealization of motherhood. But it also suggests the social realities of its time. The woman's simple clothing indicates her belonging to a lower social class. Kraus’s focus on the intimate connection between mother and child emphasizes the importance of family values within a changing society. The drawing's informal style aligns with the era's growing interest in capturing everyday life. By exploring the social context in which art is made, including factors like class, gender roles, and intellectual movements, we can better understand the meaning and significance of works like this one. Historical archives, letters, and other documents can shed light on the social conditions that shaped Kraus’s artistic choices.