The history of art is full of depictions of motherhood. The catholic church has largely contributed to this phenomenon. Sandro Boticelli created in 1478 his painting of Maria and the child surrounded by singing angels. As Maria is said to know about the tragic fate of her child, her facial expression is rather sad or apprehensive than full of joy. The public acclaim has lasted already for more than 500 years. The women and people who sympathize with this depiction seem to share some of the worries about the future of both mother and child. Apparently, this has not changed over the course of the centuries. In the 21st century such concerns still have a co-determination effect on women to lead to lower fertility rates in most parts of the world. Fertility depictions in art history might serve as early indicator of behavioral changes. Some take centuries to play out. Technological, medical devices or social policies can amplify such seminal trends. (Image: Sandro Boticelli and disciples , 1478, Gemäldegalerie Berlin)
