The Virgin at left watching the infant Christ as he sleeps, an oval composition, after Reni 1760 - 1763

Jean Jacques Lagrenée created this oval print, The Virgin at left watching the infant Christ as he sleeps, after Reni. Embedded within the image is a complex interplay of gender and power dynamics. During the 18th century, motherhood was idealized as the ultimate expression of female identity, yet women had little autonomy. Here, Mary is enshrined in her role as the mother of Christ, gazing lovingly at her sleeping child, but she also represents the limited sphere to which women were often confined. Lagrenée's choice to replicate Reni's composition reflects the artistic conventions of his time, which favored classical and religious subjects. However, by rendering it in print form, the image becomes more accessible to a wider audience. The emotional intensity is palpable, as Mary embodies both maternal tenderness and a sense of quiet contemplation. Through her gaze, she invites us to reflect on the burdens and joys of motherhood, and the complex ways in which women's identities have been shaped throughout history.