De moeder van de Gracchen toont haar juwelen 1818

Bartolomeo Pinelli created this print, "The Mother of the Gracchi Showing Her Jewels," in the early 19th century. It depicts Cornelia, the mother of the Gracchi brothers, presenting her sons as her most precious jewels. This scene is drawn from Roman history, a period that fascinated artists during the Neoclassical era. The Gracchi brothers were known for their attempts to reform Roman society. They tried to redistribute land to the poor and were, as a result, both assassinated. Pinelli highlights Cornelia's virtue and devotion to her children, presenting them as the true treasures of her life. He emphasizes the ideals of motherhood and moral rectitude. The print invites us to consider the values and expectations placed on women in different historical and cultural contexts, and the role of mothers in shaping the future through their children. It prompts us to reflect on the social and political impact of family and the ways in which personal values intersect with public life.