Victoria Ledig

Mother

2024

75 x 60 ″

Acrylic on cotton canvas

In Mother, Ledig presents a maternal figure in a composition dominated by pink hues and smooth, rounded shapes. The figure’s calm expression and flowing braid evoke a sense of stability and nurturing, symbolizing the strength of motherhood. The exaggerated proportions of the body and limbs recall prehistoric fertility symbols, highlighting themes of creation, care, and the cyclical nature of life. The soft, circular shapes suggest warmth and protection, while the figure’s dominant presence on the canvas reflects the central role of the maternal figure in human life. Perhaps, the most striking aspect of this painting is the maternal milk dripping from her breast, a reference to lactating fountains the artist encountered in Italy. Indeed, lactating goddesses were a manifestation of the Mannerist style popular in Italy in the 16th century. The visual tradition of representing Nature as a lactating woman made those mythological characters popular icons for protection, regeneration and fertility. In Mother, this sacred milk, painted in blue, creates a halo surrounding the figure and becomes part of the whole. The use of color in Mother, with pink symbolizing femininity and life, and the blue background grounding the composition, creates a serene yet powerful visual statement.