Five wet nurses, each with an infant 1662

Curator: Here we have a drawing titled "Five wet nurses, each with an infant" by Esaias Boursse, created in 1662. It's a pencil drawing on paper, showcasing a fascinating social scene from the Dutch Golden Age. Editor: There's something so tender yet melancholic about this drawing. It feels like a fleeting glimpse into the daily lives of these women, a shared moment captured in subtle lines. Curator: Indeed. Boursse was keenly interested in documenting the lives of ordinary people. The use of pencil allows for delicate shading and captures a certain texture that suggests a quick, observational approach. Notice how the depiction of each woman varies slightly. The varying details highlight their distinct identities. Editor: You're right. I see strength in their poses, a quiet dignity. It makes you wonder about their individual stories, the relationships they had with these children, and the economic realities that necessitated wet nursing. There is also an undeniable sadness in the lack of tenderness between the wet nurses, reflecting on the commodification of their services. Curator: Absolutely. Wet nursing in the 17th century was often a necessity for wealthier families, impacting the social and economic lives of working-class women. The drawing's simplicity, the materials used, speaks volumes about the socio-economic contexts in which these women operated. We can see their role in the labor force, providing sustenance for others. Editor: Thinking about it, the children almost look like tiny, precious cargo, clinging onto the caregivers who appear more stoic and burdened. In art you often see mother and child rendered in ideal, softer terms— but Boursse captured something way more realistic in this context. Curator: This is what makes the drawing so impactful! The social dynamics are etched on paper through a humble instrument: a pencil. Its texture is enhanced with the natural quality of the paper adding a certain raw, tactile quality. Editor: It has that real life magic! It feels authentic in a way I find really moving. Thank you Boursse for sharing this historical perspective through your art! Curator: A thought-provoking drawing. Exploring themes of labor, care, and societal structure during the Dutch Golden Age, it continues to raise profound questions even today.