Boer en boerin met kind (versie 1) 1758 - 1808

Christina Chalon created this etching of a "Farmer and Wife with Child (version 1)" sometime in the 18th century. As a woman artist during this period, Chalon had to navigate a male-dominated art world; she often focused on domestic and genre scenes, which were considered acceptable subjects for female artists. Look closely, here Chalon depicts an intimate scene of a rural family: a mother nurses her child, while the father looks on. This work challenges the traditional, often idealized, representations of motherhood and family, which were common at the time. Instead, we see a raw, unglamorous portrayal of peasant life, emphasizing the labor and intimacy involved in raising a child. It invites us to consider the roles and experiences of women and the working class in 18th-century society, while recognizing the value and dignity in their everyday lives.