An artwork on Galleree from Rijksmuseum.
About the artwork
The Sick Child, Gabriël Metsu, c. 1664 - c. 1666h 32.2cm × w 27.2cm
Gabriël Metsu
oil on canvas
In the gentle warmth of a dimly lit room, a worried mother cradles her young daughter in her lap. The child, who once radiated cheer, now slumps listlessly against her, lost in a world that feels just out of reach. The worried lines on the mother’s face tell a story of love intertwined with concern, a deep, unshakeable bond that seems to echo through the ages.
Captured by the brush of the artist Metsu, this poignant scene breaks from the tradition of the 17th century, where depictions of sickly children were often overlooked. Here, however, he daringly chooses to unveil the soft tragedy found in tender moments of vulnerability. Perhaps, in this quiet tableau, the mother symbolizes charity itself, Caritas—an embodiment of compassion and selflessness radiating in the face of despair.
On the wall behind them hangs a striking picture of the Crucifixion, its somber imagery a reminder of sacrifice and divine love. It suggests a profound connection, a thread that binds Christianity’s core message to the mother’s struggle in caring for her ailing child. Through this thoughtful composition, Metsu weaves a narrative rich in emotion, inviting the viewer to ponder how love can persist even in the most trying of times, echoing the unyielding spirit of humanity.
About the artist
The Rijksmuseum is the national museum of the Netherlands. We tell the story of 800 years of Dutch history, from 1200 to now. We showcase over 8,000 works of art, including masterpieces by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Van Gogh. In addition, we organize several exhibitions per year from our own collection and with (inter) national loans. In the Rijksmuseum you get to know the greatest works of art down to the smallest details.The artwork posted on this site is through the museum's public domain/CC0 data and does not imply endorsement.
Address: Museumstraat 1, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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