Dou, Gerard – Drieluik met allegorie op het kunstonderwijs, 1770

The painting depicts a domestic scene, likely a bedroom, with several figures and objects that contribute to its narrative and symbolism.

In the foreground, a woman is seated, breastfeeding a baby. Beside her is a wicker bassinet, also containing a baby, covered with a green cloth and striped blankets. To the right of the woman, another wicker basket is placed on the floor, half-filled with fabric.

In the background, the scene is divided. To the left, a young boy is being shaved by an older man, while another woman, possibly an attendant, holds a basin. This activity appears to be taking place near a window, suggesting a public or semi-public space within the dwelling.

The room itself is richly decorated, with heavy drapery framing the scene. A large deer head is mounted on the wall, and a chandelier hangs from the ceiling. A four-poster bed with red drapes is visible behind the breastfeeding woman.

Subtexts and Symbolism:

• Motherhood and Nurturing: The central image of the woman breastfeeding her infant is a powerful symbol of maternal love, natural nourishment, and the continuation of life. The presence of two infants, one being breastfed and another in the bassinet, emphasizes themes of family and its future.
• Education and Upbringing: The scene in the background, with the boy receiving a shave, can be interpreted as a symbolic representation of education or preparation for adulthood, perhaps implying the paternal guidance or grooming of a young man. This could connect to the idea of art education as suggested by the paintings title, where the act of being made presentable for society is a form of early education.
• Domesticity and Wealth: The elaborate furnishings, rich fabrics, and the inclusion of a hunting trophy (the deer head) suggest a comfortable and possibly affluent household. The painting celebrates the domestic sphere and the values associated with it.
• Light and Shadow: The use of chiaroscuro, with strong contrasts between light and dark, draws attention to the central figures and key elements, enhancing the drama and emotional impact of the scene. The light illuminating the mother and child suggests a focus on innocence and purity.
• The Passage of Time and Life Stages: The presence of different age groups – the breastfeeding mother and baby, the young boy being shaved, and potentially the older caregivers – hints at the cyclical nature of life, from infancy to early adulthood.
• Allegory of Education: Given the title Allegory on Art Education, the painting might be interpreted more broadly. The act of shaving the boy could represent the shaping or refining of a young mind, analogous to how an artist learns and hones their skills. The breastfeeding mother could symbolize the nurturing and fundamental knowledge that is essential for any development, including artistic ones. The overall serene and ordered domestic scene could represent the ideal environment for learning and growth, whether for life or for art.