Maternité

Artist George Hitchcock (Providence, Rhode Island, USA, 1850 - 1913)

Date1889

Mediumoil on canvas

ClassificationsPaintings And Drawings

DimensionsOverall: Height: 179 cm, Width: 251.3 cm
Frame: Height: 212 cm, Width: 283 cm, Depth: 17 cm

AcquisitionPurchased in 1913.

CopyrightOut of copyright - CC0

LocationOn Display - Gallery 07

Object numberABDAG002756

Keywords

Other Titles

Maternity
Maternite

About MeHitchcock was drawn to Europe in the wake of Realism and Impressionism. He studied art in Paris and in The Hague. By 1881 he had settled in the Netherlands, in the town of Egmond near Amsterdam, where he set about painting from nature.

Although on one level a simple depiction of a young peasant woman with her children, the religious symbolism transforms this group into a Holy Family. The winnowing net that the woman wears around her neck frames her head like a halo, whilst a cross, formed by the creepers growing on the path, gives a subtle portent of the Crucifixion.

More About Me

Collections Wall

Hitchcock originally trained as a lawyer. He graduated from Harvard Law School before turning his hand to painting.

Exhibitions

Gallery 07 - Exploring Art