Staande vrouw en kind in een landschap 1878 - 1938

Richard Nicolaüs Roland Holst created this drawing of a standing woman and child, capturing a timeless, archetypal image. At its heart is the powerful symbol of motherhood, with roots stretching back to antiquity. The Madonna and Child is an icon, seen across cultures, linking maternal love with purity. This universal motif transcends mere representation. Look at the tenderness suggested by the child's proximity to the mother. This echoes ancient works, from Egyptian Isis nursing Horus to the countless Christian Madonnas. Yet, this is no mere repetition. Over time, this symbol has evolved, reflecting the shifting cultural values and psychological needs of societies. The protective gesture of the mother in our sketch taps into our collective memory, evoking feelings of comfort, security, and belonging. This image strikes a chord deep within us, resonating with our earliest experiences and desires. The symbol isn't static; it ebbs and flows through history, constantly renewed and reinterpreted, yet forever tethered to the primal bond between mother and child.