Vrouw die een kind de borst geeft 1653 - 1706

This drawing of a woman breastfeeding a child was made by Godfried Schalcken, likely in the late 17th century. It's done in red chalk, a material prized for its soft, yielding quality. The artist coaxes a full range of tonalities from this humble material, from the deepest shadows to the most delicate highlights. The process leaves a velvety texture on the paper, enriching the image with a tactile dimension. Schalcken's choice speaks to a tradition of academic draftsmanship, where mastery of line and shading was paramount. But the subject matter—a mother nursing her child—also introduces a social dimension. In a time when wet nurses were often employed by affluent families, this image perhaps idealizes the intimacy of motherhood, inviting reflection on the labor and emotional bonds inherent in childcare. By attending to the materials and making of this drawing, we can appreciate its aesthetic qualities and its cultural resonance, highlighting how art reflects broader social attitudes and practices.