Vrouw met kind op een bank tegen een gevel 1843

Charles Jacque created this etching, a "Woman with child on a bench against a facade," capturing a tender moment with stark lines. The Madonna-like pose, where the mother cradles her child, appears throughout art history, symbolizing nurture and protection. Consider the ancient Egyptian goddess Isis nursing Horus. The motif embodies potent ideas of maternal care and divinity. Yet, here, the scene shifts. The modest setting and the figures' unadorned appearance redirects the symbol towards everyday humanity, highlighting the universal connection between mother and child. This seemingly simple scene engages us on a subconscious level, evoking a sense of shared humanity. The enduring image of a mother and child transcends time, and evolves in meaning. It reminds us of the primal bond that persists, resurfacing in new forms across history.