Slapende baby in een wieg 1754 - 1825

This small etching by Hermanus Numan, titled 'Sleeping Baby in a Cradle', presents a scene of serene vulnerability. The image invokes a feeling of protection, with the high sides of the wicker cradle and draped fabric creating a safe haven. The motif of the sleeping child resonates deeply across cultures and throughout art history. Consider images of the Madonna and Child, where the infant Jesus, often sleeping, symbolizes innocence and divine potential. This recurs in numerous forms, and yet, the emotional weight remains constant. The cradle itself is a symbol of beginnings, and the gentle rocking motion—absent but implied—is a universal gesture of comfort. The image is powerful, engaging viewers with a sense of nostalgia, connecting us to our earliest memories. This primal connection makes the motif enduring and ever-relevant.