The Nursing Mother
Manufacturermanufactured by
Sèvres Porcelain Manufactory
(French, active from 1756 to the present)
Maker
Josse-François-Joseph Le Riche
(French, born 1738 or 1741, died 1812)
Afterafter a model by
Louis-Simon Boizot
(French, 1743 - 1809)
Additional Title(s)
- La Nourrice
ClassificationsDECORATIVE ARTS
Dateca. 1774
Mediumbiscuit soft-paste porcelain
Dimensions8 x 7 1/2 x 6 1/4 in. (20.3 x 19.1 x 15.9 cm.)
DescriptionThis sculptural group portrays a mother suckling her baby and taking care of another child, while the baby's nursemaid stands next to her holding a cradle.
Credit LineThe Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens. Gift of MaryLou Boone
Label TextWet-nursing, the practice of breast-feeding and caring for another’s child, was widespread in 18th-century France, for the working classes as well as the wealthy. However, towards the end of the century, theorists such as Jean-Jacques Rousseau idealized the natural role of a mother breast-feeding her own child. These changing attitudes are illustrated in this group.Status
On viewObject number2010.6.23
![Lidded Vase [2 of 2]](/internal/media/dispatcher/25129/thumbnail)
![Vase [1 of 2]](/internal/media/dispatcher/25148/thumbnail)
![Vase [ 2 of 2]](/internal/media/dispatcher/25150/thumbnail)