Much has been written about parent-child relationships. And the reverence of mothers. Compared to fathers, mothers in art and literature are legion. My recent post about my amazing daughter Gina who is recovering from breast cancer plus the observance of Mothers Day last weekend have made me reflect on the relationship I had with my own mother as well as why mothers or the concept of motherhood is so revered.
The relationship I had with my mother was not a close one. Without going into detail I can say that it wasn’t troubled; it just was not close. Not anything like the one I am fortunate to have with my only daughter.
Mothers Day
My childhood was fantastic! I remember it fondly. We were seven kids. I was number four. But I don’t think the younger three felt the same way about a happy childhood as the older ones did. Mom was not cut out for seven children. And it showed as more burst onto the scene. I’d like to think that she knew she had the perfect child when I was born but I’m sure I’d get much argument from my siblings. Sadly, I cannot remember ever celebrating Mothers’ Day when I was little. That’s not to say that we didn’t. However, I do remember celebrating it with my ex-husband’s family. When I married at age 23, I was lucky to have a very loving and generous mother-in-law. I felt closer to her than my own mother.
I reflected on that relationship and mothers in general over the Mothers Day weekend. My observation is that mothers are generally more revered in culture and art than fathers. It’s not that mothers are better parents. My two sons and son-in-law are amazing fathers. But do we really celebrate Fathers Day with the same reverence as Mothers Day?
Mothers in Art
Sure, we all love our dads. But mothers are, for the most part, revered. And I don’t think I am saying this just because I am one. It’s just an opinion. Results may vary. Depictions of the madonna and child were showing up as early as the 6th century AD. It exploded during the Renaissance. Mother and Child paintings all over the place! Do you see many works of Father and Child? I can’t think of one. Google it!
My family was very Catholic. I’m a product of 16 yrs of Catholic education. When a Catholic girl got married, we were expected to put a bouquet in front of the statue of the Virgin Mary (yes, that’s what we always called her!) which is always to the left of the altar. I remember thinking to my self “Bag that! She’s a virgin! Why would I do that on my wedding day?” So I didn’t.
Accordingly, we always had a picture of the Madonna and child in our home. Ours was the Byzantine icon from the 15th century, Our Lady of Perpetual Help. And, yes. I had to look that up. However, not one of Joseph and Jesus. Not even one of Joseph alone. Probably because there were none to be had. Why not? I mean, look how he stood up to the plate to help out Mary who was already mysteriously pregnant! Super guy! Even in more contemporary art the subject of mother and child is ubiquitous. Joseph? Not so much. Unless you see him with a hammer.
Famous art of mother and child: (Click for full view).
Portraits in Photography
Fortunately, as a portrait photographer I have had the opportunity and honor to capture many mother and daughter or mother and child images. Many have been on my travels to other cultures. Additionally, several have been portraits of former students. And of course, my own daughter and her children. Please enjoy these depictions of moms in my photography. (Click for full view)
And no, I am not dissing the dads. My relationship with my dad was much different and warmer than the one I had with my mother. So dads? I gotcha. We will discuss you closer to Fathers Day.
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