Lady Smith and Her Children 1800 - 1872

Curator: My goodness, isn't that the sweetest gathering? Almost dreamlike. Editor: Yes, there is something so gentle about it. We are looking at "Lady Smith and Her Children" a watercolor by Simon Jacques Rochard, made sometime between 1800 and 1872. It's part of the collection here at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Curator: Watercolors from this period always feel a bit ephemeral to me, like they might float away if you aren't careful. The colors are so delicate, and the figures almost blend into the background. Like a memory fading at the edges. Editor: The medium definitely lends itself to that sense of transience, doesn't it? Rochard's choice to depict Lady Smith and her children in such soft hues feels quite deliberate, almost to soften the rigid societal roles women had during this era, focusing instead on the bond of motherhood. Curator: Absolutely, you can sense the love there, can’t you? Look at how Lady Smith’s hand is placed on the child’s head. The faces, so hopeful and open...it tugs at you. Editor: There’s also something quietly subversive in the presentation of this family portrait. While outwardly conforming to expectations by emphasizing motherhood, the focus on the emotional connections feels like a subtle push against the commodification of women and children during this time. Think about it, family portraits in this era were often displays of wealth and lineage. Curator: Oh, absolutely, all those powdered wigs and stony expressions. Here, the emotion softens all those power dynamics, which is fascinating! The lightness of touch, even the flowing lines, suggest freedom—not just on the paper, but maybe a freedom of spirit. Editor: A spirit that I believe Rochard attempted to capture and preserve, a slice of human connection amidst all the complex socio-political layers of the period. These familial bonds transcend mere portraiture. Curator: Agreed. This feels so intimate. I think I need a moment to appreciate the sheer tenderness. Editor: And perhaps, a reminder to seek out such gentleness and love in our own world, too.