#47307 Alexandre De Riquer e Ynglada (1856-1920)

The drawing presents a woman cradling a swaddled infant. The composition is framed within a dark square, which isolates the figures and directs attention towards their intimate interaction. Here we see the woman in profile, her head bowed downwards, suggesting tenderness and perhaps weariness. Her hair is elaborately styled, hinting at a certain social standing or adherence to conventions of beauty.
The infant’s face is obscured by the wrapping, denying it individual identity and emphasizing its vulnerability. The mothers hand gently rests on the child, conveying protection and affection. The artist employed a delicate hatching technique, creating subtle tonal variations that define form and texture. Light appears to emanate from an unseen source, illuminating the woman’s face and upper body while leaving the background in shadow.
The overall effect is one of quiet contemplation and domesticity. Theres a sense of melancholy present; the bowed head and muted tones evoke feelings of introspection or perhaps even sorrow. The framing device contributes to this mood, creating an atmosphere of enclosure and privacy. It could be interpreted as a depiction of maternal devotion, but also as a meditation on the burdens and responsibilities associated with motherhood. The presence of what appears to be a handwritten number (-9) at the bottom suggests it might be part of a series or study.