Kind op doodsbed 1773

Daniel Nikolaus Chodowiecki created this print of a child on their deathbed, its date unknown, using etching techniques. In the 18th century, high child mortality rates made death a common experience, deeply embedded in family life. Chodowiecki, working in the enlightenment period, may have sought to capture the emotional and social impact of child loss. The image creates meaning through the intimate portrayal of the child, emphasizing their innocence and vulnerability. In the absence of photography, prints like these served as mementos, offering solace and remembrance for grieving families. Historical records such as parish registers, medical journals, and personal diaries, alongside studies of period mourning rituals can shed light on the cultural context surrounding this image. Ultimately, the meaning of this artwork is contingent on these social and institutional factors, highlighting the historian's role in interpreting art.