De voedsters Possibly 1780 - 1788

This drawing by Jean François Janinet, now at the Rijksmuseum, presents a scene of women caring for children, bathed in the soft light of domestic life. The central motif, a woman holding a child, carries echoes of the Madonna and Child, a symbol deeply rooted in the collective psyche. Across centuries, this motif appears in different guises, from sacred icons to secular depictions of motherhood. Think of the ancient fertility goddesses, their arms laden with offspring, or the Roman Caritas, allegories of charity depicted breastfeeding infants. In Janinet’s rendering, the woman’s gentle embrace and serene gaze evoke not just maternal affection but a timeless connection between generations. The act of nurturing, the tender gesture of holding a child, speaks to our primal instincts and the profound human need for care and protection. It is a powerful image, engaging viewers on a subconscious level, stirring memories and emotions linked to our earliest experiences of love and security. The cyclical progression of this symbol is clear: resurfacing, evolving, and taking on new meanings in different historical contexts.