Mother and Child I
MATTHEW HANCE
Mother and Child I, 2025
Mother and Child I & Mother and Child II
These paintings explore a modern redefinition of the ancient theme of motherhood. Mother and child imagery has been depicted in art across various cultures and historical periods, evolving from religious themes like the Madonna and Child to secular portrayals of maternal love and daily life.
In a gesture of unaffected tenderness, the mother embraces her child firmly nestled in her lap, whilst the child’s innate newborn curiosity being expressed. This internal drive in babies to explore, discover, and understand the world around them through their senses and actions is ever so slightly captured in this moment.
The scene nonetheless achieves an aura of elemental dignity. The two figures are presented close-up, their contours filling the picture frame. The portrait of the mother was inspired by works from both Andy Warhol and George Condo. The raw gestural drawings shown throughout, were meant to act as a visual metaphor for the attachment bond between mother and infant. The two bodies lean into one another forming an easy yet firm dovetail that functions compositionally and symbolically as an indissoluble unit.
The artist has integrated an arch above the unfolding scene below. This classical element is borrowed from Roman architecture. It is meant to frame the scene, organize the narrative, and add depth to the painting. This architectural element also represents a symbolic entrance into sacred space, that of the Mother and Child.
This artwork can be shipped overseas please get in touch here for a shipping quote
Mathew Hance Bio
Mathew Hance Bio
North American artist, Matthew Hance, works primarily in oil and combines classical traditions of portraiture with an aesthetic sensibility of our modern age. His paintings are inspired by the ephemeral qualities of the human condition, the fundamentals of colour theory, and the nature of alchemy.
Matthew Hance studied at the Maryland Institute College of Art and Pratt Institute (USA). His work is in numerous collections both in The United States and internationally.
The concept of alchemy stems from the creation and transformation of an idea. This is perhaps at the very core of Matthew’s artistic philosophy. He believes in the importance of staying rooted in one’s own artistic values and remaining open to improvisation (i.e. colour/energy/form). Matthew is inspired by the human form. Consistent themes he explores in his work include anthropomorphism, dynamism, kinesics, memory, physiognomy, and synaesthesia.
