Roma Mother with Children 1650 - 1658

Cornelis Visscher’s “Roma Mother with Children” (1650 - 1658) is a poignant black chalk drawing capturing a moment in the life of a poor Roman mother. The artist, known for his skill in capturing human emotion, portrays the mother with a sense of weariness and resignation, cradling her infant while a young child stands nearby, seemingly neglected. The drawing is a powerful commentary on the hardships faced by ordinary people during the 17th century, making it a significant example of Dutch Baroque art. The piece is currently held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.