"Moers lille bitte Harald tegnet af moer self" 1852

This delicate drawing, "Moers lille bitte Harald tegnet af moer self," was created by Elisabeth Jerichau Baumann in 1852. The inscription translates to "Mother's little Harald drawn by mother herself," offering an intimate glimpse into the artist's personal life and maternal affection. As a woman artist in 19th-century Europe, Baumann navigated a social landscape that often confined women to domestic roles. While celebrated as a portraitist, her artistic endeavors existed in tension with societal expectations for women of her time. Baumann’s choice to depict her sleeping child is a testament to the powerful bond between mother and child, and a tender reflection on the joys and responsibilities of motherhood. The drawing style exudes a gentleness that mirrors the vulnerability of the sleeping infant, creating a moment of shared intimacy. Baumann subtly defies the conventional roles assigned to women. She transforms a private moment into a public expression of her identity as both mother and artist.