Breast feeding mother 

Paula Modersohn-Becker made this painting of a breastfeeding mother in Germany at the turn of the twentieth century. It's a starkly intimate scene, one that challenges the traditional representations of motherhood. Historically, depictions of mothers, particularly in religious art, idealized them. Modersohn-Becker, however, presents a raw, unromanticized view. The mother's gaze isn't adoring but seems burdened, perhaps reflecting the social expectations and constraints placed on women during this period. The German art world at the time was grappling with new forms of expression like Expressionism and it's in this context that Modersohn-Becker sought to portray everyday life and female experiences honestly. To fully appreciate this painting, we might look into the artist's biography, the socio-economic conditions for women in early 20th century Germany, and the prevailing artistic trends. Art history is not just about aesthetics; it's about understanding the complex interplay between art, society, and the institutions that shape them.