Udkast til portrættet af grevinde Sophie Magdalene Raben, født von Qualen med sin ældste søn, født 1784 1785

This is Jens Juel’s sketch for a portrait of Countess Sophie Magdalene Raben with her son, dating back to around 1784. Observe the archetypal image of the mother and child. The tenderness and protective nature of motherhood is a recurring theme, isn't it? The Madonna-like pose is a powerful echo, resonating with centuries of religious art depicting the Virgin Mary and Child, symbols of purity, love, and hope. Even in this secular portrait, the echo of the sacred lingers, a testament to the enduring power of these images. Consider how the simple act of holding a child becomes laden with meaning. From ancient fertility goddesses to Renaissance masterpieces, this motif transcends time, reappearing in different cultures and contexts. The emotional power of this image lies in its ability to tap into our deepest, most primal feelings about family, love, and the cycle of life.