Mother Berthe Holding Her Baby 1900

Mary Cassatt rendered this pastel drawing of Mother Berthe and her baby, capturing a timeless image. At first glance, it is reminiscent of traditional Madonna and Child depictions that resonate deeply within our cultural memory, echoing through centuries of art. The embrace, the tender gaze—these aren't merely visual elements, but rather conduits to a shared emotional understanding of motherhood. Think back to the ancient Roman Caritas, the motif of filial piety where a daughter selflessly nourishes her imprisoned father. Here too, we see the same primal instinct of nurture and protection passed down through generations. While Cassatt's style is modern, the underlying theme harks back to classical ideals, and the symbol of motherhood undergoes a transformation but remains a powerful force engaging viewers on a subconscious level. The cyclical progression of symbols in art reminds us that nothing is truly new; only reshaped by the ever-turning wheel of time.