Kunstnerens moder 1907

Oluf Hartmann created this print of his mother, using etching, a technique where acid bites into a metal plate to hold ink. The profile view is dominant here, a classical pose harking back to ancient Roman portraiture. But what strikes me is the stark simplicity, the woman’s gaze directed resolutely forward, embodying a powerful and enduring matriarchal figure. This archetype echoes through history, think of the countless depictions of the Virgin Mary, or even the stoic faces on ancient coinage. The mother figure transcends mere representation; she becomes a vessel for cultural memory, a symbol of continuity and strength. In the subconscious, the mother embodies safety and security, making this image deeply resonant. Ultimately, the image is a testament to how certain archetypes endure, resurfacing in new forms and continuing to evoke profound emotions.