Vrouw met twee kinderen 1723 - 1789

Jacob Hoolaart made this print, "Woman with Two Children," probably in the Dutch Republic during the 1700s. The intimate scene might bring to mind traditional depictions of the Madonna and child. But this is no church; it's a domestic space. The woman breastfeeds one child while another rests in her lap. In the Dutch Republic, family life was gaining importance and this print reflects a growing interest in the domestic sphere. Yet, Hoolaart's picture complicates this sentimental view. The woman's bare breast could be seen as challenging traditional modesty. Was this a celebration of motherhood, or a subtle critique of social norms? As art historians, we might consult conduct books, religious texts, and medical treatises from this period to fully understand the print's context. By considering these historical and cultural references, we can better appreciate how Hoolaart both reflected and questioned the social values of his time.