To udkast af en moder med små børn i favnen 1790

Nicolai Abildgaard made this pen drawing, Two Studies of a Mother with Young Children in Her Arms, at an unknown date. It is currently located at the SMK - Statens Museum for Kunst. Abildgaard lived during the late 18th century, a time when artists across Europe increasingly sought inspiration in classical antiquity. This drawing reflects that interest. Note the classical drapery, hairstyles, and idealized figures. Abildgaard was a professor at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, which played a central role in shaping artistic tastes. The drawing highlights an important subject of the time: motherhood, which was often idealized as a symbol of virtue and domesticity. These images helped shape cultural values, reinforcing the idea of women as caregivers. Understanding this drawing requires us to consider the social and institutional context in which it was made. By exploring sources from the period, such as letters, diaries, and academic records, we can learn more about the role of art in shaping society.