Breast-feeding woman 

Johann Ludwig Aberli created this watercolor, "Breast-feeding woman," sometime in the 18th century. Aberli lived in a time when the roles of women were very rigid, especially for those of lower economic status. This image seems to capture a private moment of sustenance and nurturing. The woman is portrayed in simple clothing, suggesting a working-class background, while the act of breastfeeding underscores the biological and social roles expected of women at the time. The simplicity of the composition, and the tenderness in the woman’s gaze, might hint at the universal experience of motherhood, yet it also reflects very specific social expectations. In a society where women's value was often tied to their reproductive capabilities, Aberli's choice to depict this scene invites us to reflect on the complex interplay between gender, class, and the intimate moments that define human experience. How might this image challenge or reinforce prevailing attitudes about women's work and worth?