Peace (Preliminary Study) c. 1899 - 1900

Matthijs Maris rendered this preliminary study of 'Peace' with pencil and brush on paper. Our eyes are drawn to a woman who stands tall, carrying a figure across her shoulders, evoking the archetypal image of sacrifice and redemption. The motif of carrying the fallen or burdened echoes through centuries of art, from ancient Greek depictions of Aeneas carrying his father from Troy, to Christian iconography where Christ bears the cross. The gesture speaks to a deep, primal need to protect and nurture. Consider how this mirrors the pietà, where Mary cradles the deceased Christ, embodying sorrow and compassion. Through the ages, the act of carrying has transformed, yet its emotional core remains unchanged. This act embodies the cyclical nature of suffering and relief, perpetually resurfacing in our collective consciousness. It is a symbol of hope and endurance, reminding us that even in the darkest times, the human spirit seeks solace and resolution.