Madame Stumpf and Her Daughter 1872

Camille Corot painted “Madame Stumpf and Her Daughter” in France, though the exact date remains unknown. The artwork captures a mother and daughter in an outdoor setting. The image may, at first glance, appear to be a straightforward portrait, but it reflects the social and cultural context of 19th-century France. Consider the implications of portraying women and children in art, especially during a time when the art world was dominated by male artists and patrons. How does this image contribute to or challenge the representation of women in art? What does it say about the changing roles and expectations of women in French society? Art historians rely on various resources to understand the social and cultural meanings embedded in artworks like this one. By researching the lives of the sitters, the artist, and the artistic conventions of the time, we gain a deeper appreciation for the layers of meaning that this artwork contains.