Moeder met kind en wieg 1824 - 1849

Carel Frederik Curtenius Bentinck's print captures a mother with child and cradle, echoing an age-old Madonna and Child motif. This tender scene, laden with symbols of domesticity and maternal care, evokes an intimate and timeless connection. Observe the cradle, a vessel of dreams and new beginnings, juxtaposed with the mother's protective embrace. This mirrors earlier depictions of Mary cradling the infant Jesus, emphasizing the vulnerability and preciousness of new life. The mother’s gentle gaze carries a weight of hope and concern, reminiscent of the universal maternal instinct found across cultures and eras. Yet, this image diverges from its religious predecessor, grounding itself in the bourgeois interior of the 19th century. The archetype is now secular, focusing on the human, rather than the divine. However, it still resonates with the same emotional power, tapping into our collective memory of familial love and protection. The scene evokes a powerful psychological resonance, reminding us of our earliest attachments and the comfort found in a mother's arms. This image demonstrates how symbols evolve, carrying forward shared human experiences across time.