Father Feeding his Child 1610 - 1685

Adriaen van Ostade created this etching titled ‘Father Feeding his Child’ in the 17th century, a period marked by significant social stratification in the Netherlands. Van Ostade, known for his genre scenes, often depicted peasant life, providing a window into the everyday realities of the lower classes. In this small, intimate scene, we see a father carefully feeding his child, while the mother looks on, her hand gently guiding. It's a moment of tenderness amidst what appears to be a humble dwelling. The depiction challenges the conventional art of the time, which frequently celebrated the lives of the wealthy. Instead, Van Ostade directs our attention to the simple acts of care and connection within a working-class family. The rough textures and earthy tones of the etching underscore the stark realities of their existence, yet the artist captures a profound sense of dignity. The family's resilience becomes palpable. "I want to show the world the beauty in simplicity," Van Ostade once remarked, and here, he invites us to find humanity in the most unassuming of circumstances.