The Three Ages of Woman by Gustav Klimt

In my perspective, this painting represents the issue of a loss of identity when bearing children. I disagree with the idea being pictured in the bigger painting as a whole because I feel it takes on a quite individualistic stance. The painting shows a distressed pregnant mother and then next to her shows her glistening with her newly born child. But while the mother may seem content, she is all absorbed in her child. Motherhood can carry burdens and resentment both ways. Our society almost shapes this outcome. I mean this in the context that women are subject to standards as mothers. While mothers have to go above and beyond to be considered good mothers, fathers are often praised for the bare minimum. This sudden amount of heavy lifting in the form of raising a child can lead to the loss of a mother's identity. This sudden loss of control can be devastating because until now, you had a certain degree of control over your own life. My issue does not rule out the beauty of motherhood but instead brings attention to the issues many mothers face during their journey through it.