Maternité 1927

Willem van Konijnenburg created this drawing titled 'Maternité' using graphite on paper. Konijnenburg lived through a period of significant social change, with evolving views on gender roles, family, and religion. This drawing portrays a tender, intimate moment between a mother and child, a theme deeply rooted in art history and often associated with idealized notions of motherhood and femininity. The soft lines and delicate shading enhance the emotional depth of the scene, inviting viewers to reflect on the universal experience of maternal love and the nurturing bond between parent and child. In this drawing, the artist doesn’t challenge the traditional representation of motherhood, yet, the vulnerability in the mother's gaze is a clear evocation of a sentiment of shared intimacy. Konijnenburg’s focus on this connection provides a personal interpretation of a symbolic and sacred relationship. The artwork encourages a dialogue about the roles and expectations placed on women, especially within the context of motherhood, reflecting societal norms and individual experiences.