Madonna of the Chair 17th-18th century

Curator: This engraving, held in the Harvard Art Museums, is Pieter van Schuppen's take on Raphael's "Madonna of the Chair". It strikes me as deeply intimate, a tender portrayal of motherhood. Editor: There is a sense of imposed sentimentality that I question. Was the cult of motherhood in the 17th century a constraint or source of strength? Curator: Considering the patriarchal structures of the era, these images could become vehicles for women to exercise emotional influence, perhaps even agency, within a domestic sphere. Editor: Yet, the Madonna figure, regardless of time, has always been molded by societal expectations. I wonder, do these images truly empower or merely confine women to idealized roles? Curator: It's a visual expression of societal aspirations, but it can also reflect, or even inspire, a quiet strength and resilience for the women who view it. Editor: A powerful point to consider when navigating the complexities and enduring impact of these historical narratives.