Zuigeling aan een borst drinkende 1750 - 1793

Etienne de Lavallée-Poussin made this pencil drawing of a breastfeeding baby. The composition is striking in its simplicity, focusing on the intimate connection between mother and child. Lavallée-Poussin masterfully uses line and shadow to create a sense of depth and volume. The soft, delicate lines suggest tenderness and vulnerability, while the strategic use of hatching and cross-hatching adds dimension to the figures. The baby's form is rendered with a gentle touch, emphasizing its innocence. The lines fade at the bottom of the page, creating a sense of incompleteness, drawing attention to the central image and the fleeting nature of the moment. The intimate nature of the scene invites contemplation on the themes of motherhood and nourishment. The drawing can be seen as a commentary on the importance of maternal care and the foundational bond between parent and child. The formal qualities enhance its emotional resonance, offering a poignant reflection on the human condition.