Staande moeder met kind 1777 - 1779

This is Pieter de Mare's etching, "Standing Mother with Child," made during a period of immense social and political upheaval. De Mare created this intimate portrayal during the late 18th century, a time defined by revolutionary thought and shifting social structures. De Mare’s choice to depict a mother and child is itself a telling reflection of the era's changing attitudes toward family and domestic life. His delicate lines capture the tender connection between mother and child, but also perhaps the mother’s exhaustion. While traditional representations of motherhood often focused on idealized, almost saintly figures, De Mare presents a more grounded, human vision. This etching speaks to the quiet strength and resilience of women during a time of profound change. It invites us to reflect on the everyday lives and experiences of those who often go unacknowledged in grand historical narratives.