Did you say “I love you” to the mothers, caregivers, and loved ones in your life today? In honor of Mother’s Day, we’re spotlighting collection works that depict motherhood throughout art history. From ancient Egyptian plaques to contemporary photographs, mothers have inspired countless generations of artists. ❣️
If you’re in town, bring your favorite mother figure to discover even more maternal affection in the galleries. Forgot flowers? We’ve got you covered with our special Mother’s Day program this afternoon, where you can design a bouquet with Brownstone Botanical and jewelry with Brooklyn Charm.
Make a day of it with the Museum & Garden Pass, featuring same-day access to the Museum and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden.
The art of motherhood
From the top: Mary Cassatt. Mother and Child Before a Pool, ca. 1898. Drypoint and aquatint on laid paper. Brooklyn Museum, Bequest of Mary T. Cockcroft, 46.106. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum); Consuelo Kanaga. Young Mother with Baby Girl, Florida, 1950. Gelatin silver print. Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Wallace B. Putnam from the Estate of Consuelo Kanaga, 82.65.455. Copyright transferred to Brooklyn Museum by the Estate of Wallace Putnam. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum); Nefertiti and Her Daughter, ca. 1352–1336 B.C.E. Limestone, pigment. Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 60.197.8. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum); Unknown artist. The Virgin Mary with Christ Child, Saint Dominic, Saint Francis, and Indigenous Worshippers, late 18th century. Oil on panel. Brooklyn Museum, Museum Expedition 1941, Frank L. Babbott Fund, 41.1275.224. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum); Statue of Queen Ankhnes-meryre II and Her Son, Pepy II, ca. 2288–2224 or 2194 B.C.E. Egyptian alabaster (calcite), pigment. Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 39.119. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum); Kitagawa Utamaro. Mother and Child Playing with Mirror, ca. 1803. Color woodblock print on paper. Brooklyn Museum, Brooklyn Museum Collection, X1119.2. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum); Charles Willson Peale. Mrs. David Forman and Child, ca. 1785. Oil on canvas. Brooklyn Museum, Carll H. de Silver and Museum Collection Fund, 23.51. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum); Bessie Potter Vonnoh. Modern Madonna, 1904. Bronze. Brooklyn Museum, Gift of the artist, 13.1062. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum)
