Childbirth 1633

Abraham Bosse's 1633 etching, "Childbirth," depicts the birthing process in a richly detailed, highly symbolic interior. The scene is filled with a variety of figures, including the laboring mother attended by a midwife, a doctor, and other women offering support. The image offers a glimpse into the social context of childbirth in 17th-century Europe, with the presence of both medical and religious figures underscoring the significance of the event. The composition, with its emphasis on the central figures and use of light and shadow, contributes to the dramatic and powerful nature of the scene.