The Mother

Cornelis Bega

Associated Names
Cornelis Bega

Artist, Dutch, 1631/1632 - 1664

The image displays the upper body of a woman seated on a chair, holding a small child in her arms. The woman is slightly hunched forward, with her head tilted downwards as she gazes at the infant. Her facial features include a soft expression with her eyes gently closed. Her hair is covered with a cap or headscarf. She is dressed in a loose, flowing garment with billowing sleeves, and her neckline is low. The small child, resting comfortably against her chest, is dressed in a similar loose garment, and appears to be asleep or resting with eyes closed. The child has short, dark hair. There is no visible jewelry on the woman, nor any objects in her hands. The background consists of simple, shaded detailing suggesting a textured wall or surface, with no distinct objects or scenery.

Media Options

This object’s media is free and in the public domain. Read our full Open Access policy for images.

Artwork overview

  • Medium

    etching

  • Credit Line

    Gift of Arthur and Charlotte Vershbow

  • Dimensions

    image: 9.5 x 8.1 cm (3 3/4 x 3 3/16 in.)
    sheet: 11.3 x 9.1 cm (4 7/16 x 3 9/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1984.89.1

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Hollstein, no. 28


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Pieter Willem van Doorn (vD, Lugt undescribed?); gift to NGA, 1984.

Associated Names

Bibliography

1949

  • Hollstein, F.W.H. et al. German engravings, etchings and woodcuts ca. 1400-1700. 8 vols. Amsterdam: Menno Hertzberger, 1954-1868. Dutch and Flemish etchings, engravings and woodcuts, ca. 1450-1700. Vols. I-XV, XVIII, XIX. Amsterdam: Menno Hertzberge

Inscriptions

center verso in graphite: 36 (crossed out) / 20; lower center verso in graphite: B.28

Wikidata ID

Q74066212

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