Maria met Kind 1729 - 1742

Jean Charles Flipart created this print, Maria met Kind, sometime before his death in 1751. It depicts Mary and the infant Jesus and reflects the strong religious sentiments prevalent in 18th century France. Yet this image isn't just about religious devotion; it is also about the cultural construction of motherhood. Mary is shown as gentle and nurturing, qualities that were highly valued in women of the time. The tender embrace and serene expressions suggest an idealized version of maternal love, one that emphasized the self-sacrificing nature of women's roles within the family. The emotional depth of this image draws us in, but we might also reflect on how these representations shape societal expectations. Does this image reinforce traditional gender roles, or does it offer a vision of maternal love that transcends historical constraints?