Babyportretje 1877 - 1918

Cornelis Spoor created this delicate baby portrait using graphite and crayon. Spoor's work gives us a glimpse into the intimate sphere of domestic life at the turn of the 20th century, but also into the traditional representation of children in art. The baby, adorned in lace, is peacefully resting. The drawing perhaps captures a moment of bourgeois tranquility and idealized innocence. But the seemingly simple image also sits within complex social dynamics. Consider gender roles of the time, where motherhood was celebrated as a woman's primary identity. Here, Spoor reflects the societal expectations of women as caregivers, finding beauty and value in their maternal duties. In contrast to the rapid changes of the industrial age, this artwork emphasizes a sense of continuity and timelessness. The drawing invites us to reflect on both the personal and historical narratives embedded in this tender portrayal.