Portret van Elizabeth Pennyman met haar kind 1772 - 1776

Valentine Green created this mezzotint of Elizabeth Pennyman and her child in the late 18th century. At the time, the representation of women and children in art was closely tied to societal expectations and gender roles. The tenderness and care that define the relationship between mother and child are central here. We see Elizabeth Pennyman, a woman of obvious means, gazing adoringly at her child, who is holding a piece of fruit. This maternal image reflects the era's emphasis on women's roles as caregivers and nurturers. However, consider how class and privilege shape this image, allowing Pennyman the leisure and resources to fulfill this role in a particular way. Portraits like these offer a glimpse into the intimate lives of historical figures, reflecting both personal affections and the broader social values of their time. They remind us to think about how identity is both personally experienced and culturally constructed.