Oude vrouw voedt een kind met een fles 1839 - 1909

Auguste Danse made this etching of an old woman feeding a child, sometime in the late 19th century. It’s a poignant reminder of the universal and timeless act of caregiving. We are drawn into an intimate scene where the artist focuses on the tender interaction between the woman and child. What does it mean to depict an older woman in this role? Is this a mother or a grandmother? Perhaps Danse is touching upon the evolving roles of women within the family and society. By portraying her with such care, he elevates her status, challenging traditional representations. There is an emotional quality in the simple act of feeding that makes us reflect on our own experiences of being cared for, or of caring for others. This artwork brings us to reflect on the emotional labor of women.