Italienerinde med nøgent barn på skødet 1810 - 1873

Wilhelm Marstrand rendered this drawing of an Italian woman with a nude child in her lap with graphite. The motif of the mother and child is rich with symbolism. We can see this in the way the mother cradles the child in her lap, reminiscent of the Virgin Mary. The gesture of her hands pressed together suggests piety, echoing religious iconography. However, the image diverges in its earthly portrayal, depicting a humble scene far removed from celestial visions. It is a composition that has been explored across centuries, evoking powerful, subconscious memories of nurturing and care. The naked child, a symbol of innocence, reaches out, creating a connection to a primal human desire for safety and affection. This piece shows how visual symbols are never static, instead evolving and reflecting the changing cultural and psychological landscapes across time.