Visit to the Wet Nurse 1572

Marten van Cleve the Elder painted "Visit to the Wet Nurse" in the 16th century on wood. The detailed scene offers insight into the social practice of wet nursing in the Netherlands, where wealthy families commonly hired women to breastfeed their children. Looking at the image, we see a bustling domestic interior. A well-dressed family visits a humble home, presumably to check on their child and compensate the wet nurse. The contrast in attire and setting highlights class distinctions and the economic relationships that shaped childcare practices. Details like the well-stocked kitchen and the presence of animals underscore the rural, working-class environment of the wet nurse. The painting prompts us to consider the social structures of the time, including attitudes toward motherhood, class, and the commodification of women's bodies. Investigating parish records, family archives, and contemporary medical texts would provide valuable context for understanding the social implications of wet nursing and its impact on families and communities.