This exhibition of works from the collections of the National Galleries of Scotland explores the theme of motherhood in art, showing how the image of the mother and child has endured and been re-interpreted by artists over the past 500 years.
The works on show range from the early Renaissance to the present day, and include works by Sandro Botticelli, George Romney, Pablo Picasso and Christine Borland. The exhibition was first shown this winter at the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery in partnership with Highland 2007 and the Highland Council.
Highlights
The Virgin Adoring the Sleeping Christ Child, Sandro Botticelli
about 1490
NG 2709
Botticelli's composition, inspired by the work of Filippo Lippi, is unusual in two respects: canvas paintings were still uncommon at this time and the Christ Child was rarely shown asleep. This variation could be interpreted as a reminder of Christ's death. His future suffering for Mankind may also be symbolised by the detailed plants and fruits. The red strawberries, for example, may refer to Christ's blood. They also complement the beautiful rose bower which forms an 'enclosed garden', a symbol of the Virgin derived from the Old Testament Song of Solomon. The painting was probably designed for a domestic setting.
- Material: Tempera and gold on canvas
- Size: 122.00 x 80.30 cm (framed: 188.00 x 107.30 x 21.00 cm)
- Location: National Galleries of Scotland
Maternité [Maternity], Joan Miró
1924
GMA 3589
Miró invented his own pictorial language, which became increasingly abstract over time. Although reduced to basic forms, in this painting we can recognise that the central figure is female. One of her breasts is shown in profile, the other from the front. Two insect-like infants, one male, the other female, are suspended from her breasts. The figures seem to be floating in space. The painting has its origins in a postcard of a Spanish dancer wearing a polka-dot dress. The only remaining trace of this in the painting is the pierced skirt, which refers to the dancer's dress.
- Material: Oil on canvas
- Size: 92.10 x 73.10 cm; (framed: 106.70 x 88.00 x 7.30 cm)
- Location: National Galleries of Scotland
- © Succession Miro/ADAGP, Paris and DACS, London 2006.
