Motherhood

After our discussion of parenthood regarding Magdelena and Balthasar, I began to wonder about the overall importance of parenthood during that time.  After searching through some various paintings and websites, I have found this image of motherhood as depicted by Rembrandt.  In this painting,  The central focus is on the pregnant mother with a man acknowledging the unborn child.  Known as "the Jewish Bride", this image could be the poster child for in emphasis on motherhood.  Painted in 1662, Rembrandt captures the importance of parenthood through the motions of both parties pictured.  A sort of enthusiasm is reflecting on the woman's face, and could possibly suggest that she is excited for the birth of their child.  Much like Magdelena, I would like to picture this woman as a mother who would be concerned for the health and achievements of her child.  According to the online source, it cannot be proven that either person pictured was actually Jewish, though the painting is still famously referred to by this name.  The source also states that the man pictured is probably a husband or partner to the women.  Although this painting is from the mid 1600's, I would still like to imagine a similar image of Magelena and Balthasar while Magdelenca was carrying little Balthasar. However,  Seeing as though Balthasar senior was rarely home this is probably too much to ask; and the clothing pictured would have to be altered in some ways to present Balthasar's elegant "wolf-fur" coat and flashy collar.  But for the intended purpose of this post, this image suggests that parenthood was more than just the act of procreation during this time.  One can see that the mother is this central figure of life, and also the central figure in child bearing.

Sources:  http://www.erembrandt.org/the-jewish-bride.jsp