Fotoreproductie van een schilderij van een moeder met kind c. 1865 - 1900

This is a photographic reproduction of a painting by Laurens Lodewijk Kleijn, depicting a mother and child, made sometime between the mid-19th and early 20th century. In this image, we see not just a tender moment, but a tableau that speaks volumes about the cultural values placed on motherhood during Kleijn’s era. As we consider the image of the mother and child, it’s worthwhile questioning whether it reflects the lived experiences of women across different social strata, or does it portray an idealized version of motherhood, perhaps one reserved for the bourgeoisie? This photograph invites us to reflect on the narratives we inherit and the roles we're assigned, encouraging a critical examination of both historical and contemporary representation of women. It's a gentle yet poignant reminder of the complexities inherent in depicting something as universal, and as culturally constructed, as motherhood.