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Breastfeeding, 18th-century caricature
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Breastfeeding, 18th-century caricature
Breastfeeding, 18th-century caricature. Titled The Fashionable Mamma, or The Convenience of Modern Dress, this artwork shows a nursemaid holding a baby to its mothers breast to allow it to feed. The mention of The Pocket Hole (bottom right) refers to the slits in the womans clothing made to allow breastfeeding, which was then in fashion. The portrait at top left ( Maternal Love ) shows a more maternal form of breastfeeding. This caricature, published in London in February 1796, is by the British artist James Gillray (1756-1815)
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Media ID 6320219
© MIRIAM AND IRA D. WALLACH DIVISION OF ART, PRINTS AND PHOTOGRAPHS/NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
1700s 1796 18th Century Adaptation Adapted Baby Breast Breast Feeding Breasts Caricature Child Child Care Clothing Dress Fashion Georgian Hole Holes Home House Infant James Gillray Maternal Milk Mother Nurse Parent Parental Rich Satire Satirical Servant Slit Slits Upper Class Wealthy Women Health Care Maid Maternal Love Sitting Room
EDITORS COMMENTS
This 18th-century caricature titled "The Fashionable Mamma, or The Convenience of Modern Dress" captures a unique perspective on breastfeeding during that era. Created by the British artist James Gillray in February 1796, this satirical artwork showcases a nursemaid holding a baby to its mother's breast for feeding. The mention of "The Pocket Hole" at the bottom right refers to the slits in women's clothing specifically designed to allow easy access for breastfeeding, which was considered fashionable at the time. In contrast, the portrait at the top left titled "Maternal Love" depicts a more traditional form of breastfeeding, emphasizing the nurturing bond between mother and child. This illustration provides insight into societal norms and attitudes towards maternal care and infant nutrition during Georgian England. Published in London, this caricature offers an intriguing glimpse into historical practices surrounding childcare among wealthy families. It highlights both the adaptability of fashion trends and cultural expectations placed upon mothers within upper-class society. James Gillray's artistic portrayal sheds light on how breastfeeding was perceived within English culture during this period. By examining such historical artifacts, we gain valuable insights into our past while appreciating how far we have come in understanding and supporting maternal health and child-rearing practices today.
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