Artwork
Mother and Two Children
Mother and Two Children is a print by the Baroque artist Adriaen van Ostade. It dates from 1675 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
- Accession no.
- 1924.659
- Credit line
- Gift of Leonard C. Hanna Jr.
About this work
Overview
Adriaen van Ostade's 'Mother and Two Children' is a print created around 1675, exemplifying his work in genre scenes that capture everyday Dutch life.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts an intimate domestic scene: a mother caring for her two children in a humble, dimly lit setting, reflecting common themes of family and daily life in 17th-century Dutch art.
Technique & Style
The artist employed rapid, expressive lines to convey texture and atmosphere, resulting in a scene that feels authentic and unpolished. The use of chiaroscuro, with its strong contrasts of light and shadow, adds depth to the composition.
Context
As a genre painter, van Ostade focused on ordinary people in everyday situations, offering a glimpse into the daily routines and domestic environments of 17th-century Dutch society.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
Adriaen van Ostade (baptized as Adriaen Jansz Hendricx 10 December 1610 – buried 2 May 1685) was a Dutch Golden Age painter of genre works, showing the everyday life of ordinary men and women.
