Zwei sitzende junge Frauen, die eine gibt einem Kind die Brust c. 1771 - 1772

Georg Melchior Kraus rendered this drawing in delicate washes of color. Here, we see two women seated, one nursing a child, a tender image of maternal care. This act of nursing is a powerful, recurring motif in art history, from ancient Egyptian depictions of Isis nursing Horus to countless Renaissance Madonnas. The 'Maria Lactans' imagery, where the Virgin Mary nurses the infant Jesus, is particularly relevant. This portrayal not only emphasizes Mary’s humanity but also conveys a sense of nurturing and divine grace. In Kraus's drawing, though secular, the act echoes these earlier sacred representations, tapping into a collective memory of motherhood. This simple yet profound scene resonates with the emotional weight of nurturing and familial bonds, connecting viewers to a long history of artistic expressions around maternity. Such images engage us on a deep, subconscious level, stirring primal feelings of love, protection, and the continuity of life. The cyclical nature of life resurfaces in this intimate moment, weaving personal experience into a rich tapestry of historical and cultural meanings.