Helene, Wilfried en zijn moeder 1854

Charles Rochussen created this print, titled 'Helene, Wilfried en zijn moeder', using etching, around the mid-19th century. Rochussen lived through a period of significant social change in the Netherlands, including evolving ideas about gender roles, class structure, and national identity. The print depicts a scene where a woman, possibly a mother, gestures protectively towards a kneeling figure, perhaps her son Wilfried, while another woman, Helene, stands nearby. The setting and costumes suggest a historical or mythical narrative, likely drawn from romantic literature or folklore which was popular during that era. Consider how the artist uses gendered presentation and emotional expressions to construct this encounter. The composition evokes notions of duty, sacrifice, and familial love, all significant themes during a time when societal norms were being negotiated and redefined. How does this print reflect or challenge these themes? The emotional depth and staging of the scene invites reflection on the ties that bind us and the stories that shape our understanding of ourselves and each other.