Images of Mother and Child

In European art we find many paintings and examples of the Madonna and Child -- Mary and Jesus from the Christian faith. Look at the painting below -- who is the most important person? Probably the child. Notice that he is placed in the center of the painting and the other figures turn towards him.

In the Akan sculpture the child is carved simply and the mother is emphasized. So, the focus seems to be on motherhood.

 
ODYSSEY HOME NEAR EAST Egypt GREECE ROME

© Michael C. Carlos Museum of Emory University,
Memorial Art Gallery of the University of Rochester and Dallas Museum of Art
For more information please contact odyssey@emory.edu.
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