Who painted A Young Mother Carrying a Crib?

A Young Mother Carrying a Crib was painted by Jacques Dumont in 1739.

Where can I see A Young Mother Carrying a Crib?

A Young Mother Carrying a Crib is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is A Young Mother Carrying a Crib?

A Young Mother Carrying a Crib is associated with Baroque.

Artwork

A Young Mother Carrying a Crib

Jacques Dumont , 1739

A Young Mother Carrying a Crib is an ink print by the Baroque artist Jacques Dumont. It dates from 1739 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Jacques Dumont’s print, A Young Mother Carrying a Crib, dates from 1739 and is executed on laid paper using a combination of etching and engraving. The work presents a domestic scene in which a young woman, clothed in a long coat and headscarf, bears a cradle while a child follows beside her, set against a landscape of gentle hills and a cloud‑filled sky.

Subject & Meaning

The composition centers on the mother’s determined posture as she steadies the crib, suggesting responsibility and perseverance. The child, dressed in a simple tunic and holding a stick, looks up toward the mother, adding a tone of curiosity and familial affection. Together the figures convey a quiet resilience within everyday life.

Technique & Style

Dumont employed etching to outline the forms and then deepened the image through engraving, a method that allows for fine line work and varied tonal depth. The contrast between the delicate etched lines of the landscape and the bolder engraved strokes on the figures creates a sense of spatial layering and texture on the laid paper surface.

History & Provenance

Created in the mid‑18th century, the print reflects the period’s interest in genre scenes that depict ordinary domestic moments. While specific ownership records are scarce, the work is catalogued among Dumont’s prints and is held in several European collections that specialize in French engraving.

Context

During the 1730s, French printmakers often explored themes of family and moral virtue, aligning with Enlightenment ideas about the role of women and children in society. Dumont’s choice of a young mother as the focal point aligns with contemporary visual narratives that emphasized nurturing responsibilities and social stability.