The First Babe 1872

Jehan Georges Vibert created this watercolor, titled ‘The First Babe,’ in 1872. Here we see a bourgeois interior, likely French, judging by the fashions. The title suggests this is a firstborn child, although the agitated mother and somewhat detached father imply some tension. Is this the hoped-for heir? The setting offers cues: an ornate fireplace suggests wealth, while the discarded shoes in the foreground hint at domestic upheaval. The artist perhaps critiques social mores regarding child-rearing. Are the parents prepared for their new roles? Analyzing this artwork through a social lens prompts questions. We might consult etiquette manuals from the period to understand expectations for parents. Archival research into Vibert's life and career could reveal his views on family. Ultimately, understanding art means placing it within its specific social and institutional context.