Artwork

Death and the Young Mother

Death and the Young Mother, by Rodolphe Bresdin, 1861
Death and the Young Mother, by Rodolphe Bresdin, 1861

Death and the Young Mother is a print by the Impressionist artist Rodolphe Bresdin. It dates from 1861 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Death and the Young Mother is a black-and-white print created by Rodolphe Bresdin in 1861. It is a work held at The Cleveland Museum of Art.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a young mother holding a child, confronted by a skeletal figure representing Death. The title suggests a theme of mortality, while the mother's calm demeanor contrasts with the ominous presence behind her.

Technique & Style

Bresdin employed chiaroscuro, a technique using strong contrasts between light and dark, to create a dramatic and eerie atmosphere. The print's use of deep blacks and whites adds to the sense of foreboding and tension.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Rodolphe Bresdin

Artist

Rodolphe Bresdin

Rodolphe Bresdin (12 August 1822 – 11 January 1885) was a French draughtsman and engraver.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.