Portret van Jane Cathcart en haar dochter Jane before 1765

James McArdell created this mezzotint print, "Portret van Jane Cathcart en haar dochter Jane," a testament to the conventions and aspirations of 18th-century portraiture. During this era, portraits of women, particularly mothers, often became vehicles for conveying ideals of virtue, fertility, and social standing. Here, we see Jane Cathcart, elegantly dressed, tenderly holding her daughter. Note the inclusion of the dog, a symbol of fidelity, further accentuating the narrative of domestic tranquility and the sitter's role as a devoted mother. Yet, beyond the surface, we might consider the complexities inherent in portraying women within a patriarchal society. While such portraits aimed to celebrate motherhood, they also served to reinforce prescribed gender roles. How might Jane Cathcart have viewed her own representation? Does the portrait capture her lived experiences, or does it present an idealized version of womanhood intended for public consumption? These are the questions that allow us to peel back the layers of history and enter into a dialogue with the past.