Vrouw met twee kinderen 1732 - 1776

Gilles Demarteau created this chalk-manner engraving of a woman with two children. The image reflects the 18th-century French artistic conventions that frequently idealized motherhood and domestic life. Yet, seen through a contemporary lens, the image prompts questions about the realities of motherhood and the socio-economic context of 18th-century France. While seemingly a sentimental depiction of maternal love, the image is also a portrait of labor and resilience. The bare feet and simple clothing suggest that this is not a woman of leisure, but one who is likely part of the working class, her days filled with labor and care. The dedication to Madame De Beusy suggests a relationship of patronage, raising questions about class and access. The emotional depth of the image, the mother's tender gaze and the children’s vulnerability, speaks to the universal experiences of love and care. The artwork invites us to consider both the idealized representations and the lived experiences of women and children in history.