Moeder en dochter van de Evangelische Broedergemeente 1806

Ludwig Gottlieb Portman created this print titled "Mother and Daughter of the Evangelical Brethren" sometime before 1828. It offers a glimpse into the private world of women within the Evangelical Brethren, or Moravian, community. The print depicts a mother playing a keyboard instrument while her daughter sits beside her, engaged in needlework. The scene suggests domesticity and quiet industry, values upheld within the Moravian faith. Yet, the women's plain dress and simple surroundings also speak to the community's emphasis on humility and piety. What does it mean for women to practice music within the confines of this domestic space, and under the gaze of religious expectation? The image subtly challenges conventional gender roles. The mother's musical activity transcends domestic duties, suggesting intellectual and artistic pursuits. While the daughter embodies traditional feminine crafts, their shared space implies a transmission of knowledge and values between generations. Portman invites us to reflect on the intimate, everyday expressions of faith and womanhood.