Christus en Maria met moeders en spelende kinderen 1863

Léopold Flameng created this etching called Christus en Maria met moeders en spelende kinderen, or Christ and Mary with mothers and playing children, sometime between 1831 and 1911. The image offers a glimpse into 19th-century social ideals surrounding motherhood and childhood, but also the religious underpinnings of those ideals. The artwork depicts mothers with their children in an idyllic outdoor setting. At the center, Christ and Mary are floating on a cloud, blessing the scene. There's a strong emphasis on the innocence and purity of children, as they’re shown playing and interacting freely. The mothers appear serene and nurturing, embodying the era's expectations of women as caregivers. Flameng creates an emotional connection between the earthly realm of motherhood and the divine blessing of Christ and Mary. He invites reflection on the values of family, faith, and the role of women in society. The image blends the sacred with the everyday, reminding us of the human desire to find divinity in our ordinary lives.