The Two Mélisandes 1928

Gerald Leslie Brockhurst created this print, “The Two Mélisandes,” using etching. Brockhurst was part of a generation of British artists who came of age during and after the First World War, when traditional gender roles were being questioned and renegotiated. In this work, we see a tender depiction of motherhood, as a young woman lovingly cradles a baby wrapped in cloth. The title may allude to Maurice Maeterlinck’s symbolist play "Pelléas et Mélisande," which explores themes of innocence, fate, and forbidden love. Brockhurst made many portraits of women; he was celebrated for his technical skill and ability to capture the beauty and grace of his subjects. However, his idealized images often adhered to conventional standards of feminine beauty. Despite the traditional subject matter, the artist presents an intimate moment that is open to interpretation. The tender interaction suggests the powerful bond between mother and child, reflecting societal values placed on motherhood. However, Brockhurst leaves space for viewers to contemplate the complexities of female identity during a period of great social change.