Moeder voedt haar baby 1842

"De Verwagting" (The Expectation) is an etching created by Willem (I) Linnig in 1842. This small-scale artwork, housed in the Rijksmuseum, depicts a poignant scene of a mother nursing her baby while a young child looks on expectantly. The composition is characterized by its intimate and domestic nature, showcasing the daily life of a humble family. Linnig's masterful use of light and shadow adds depth and emotion to the scene, highlighting the quiet contemplation of the mother and the child's innocent curiosity. The etching, an example of 19th-century Dutch realism, invites viewers to reflect on the tender moments of motherhood and the anticipation of the future.