Studioportret van een vrouw met een baby in witte jurk op schoot c. 1863 - 1870

This photograph, captured by Wegner & Mottu, presents a woman cradling a baby, both adorned in pristine white garments, an enduring symbol of purity and innocence. This tableau evokes a sense of timeless maternal devotion. The motif of a mother holding a child is universal. It is present in ancient depictions of Isis and Horus, extending through countless Renaissance Madonnas. Observe the tender gaze of the mother, reminiscent of the Virgin Mary’s gentle countenance, a gesture transcending mere representation to tap into our collective memory of maternal love. Yet, here, the photograph introduces modernity. It captures a fleeting moment. While echoing classical themes, it invites us to ponder the unique bond between mother and child within the confines of 19th century domesticity. The photograph is not only a portrait but a complex intersection of past and present, sacred and mundane.