Breastfeeding mother of Paula Modersohn-Becker 1902

Paula Modersohn-Becker's "Breastfeeding Mother" (1902) is a poignant portrayal of motherhood. Painted with earthy tones and a raw, expressive style, it depicts a woman tenderly nursing her infant. The artist’s direct and honest depiction of the intimate act of breastfeeding, a subject rarely explored in art at the time, challenged societal norms and garnered controversy. This work reflects the artist's own experiences as a mother and her interest in depicting the realities of everyday life, contributing to the development of Expressionism, a movement that emphasized emotional expression and personal experiences over idealized representations.