Dullah (b.1919 – d.1996)
Breastfeeding, 1972

Oil on canvas

A mother breastfeeding her child becomes a symbol of love, care, and one of the most fundamental bonds in human life. Through this quiet everyday moment, Dullah presents a universal reflection on affection, nurture, and the emotional connection between mother and child.

 

Known for his realist paintings centred on ordinary people, Dullah was deeply committed to humanist ideals and to finding beauty in everyday life. The mother's gentle gaze, tender gesture, and the painting's warm palette create an atmosphere of intimacy and calm. For Dullah, the dignity of humanity is found not only in extraordinary events but also in simple moments that embody compassion, sincerity, and the enduring values of family life. The painting entered the Museum of Fine Arts collection through a donation by Adam Malik in 1976.