"En lille Historie" 1870 - 1880

This small, anonymous etching presents a scene of maternal care, showing a woman carrying two children across a stream. The water, a symbol of purification and transition, suggests a journey or a crossing over, a motif echoed through art history. Consider, for example, the image of Saint Christopher, often depicted carrying the Christ Child across a river, a potent symbol of guidance and protection. Here, the woman’s act carries a similar weight, yet grounded in the everyday. The embrace of the children evokes not just physical support but also emotional reassurance. Such gestures tap into our collective memory, triggering subconscious recognition of primal bonds and protective instincts. This image’s enduring power lies in its ability to distill complex emotions into a simple, resonant scene, echoing through time and culture. The cyclical progression of this symbol reminds us of the ever-present themes of love, protection, and the journeys we undertake together.