Childless Collection

Empress Josephine (1763-1814) illustration from Little Journeys to the Homes
KW222570 Empress Josephine (1763-1814) illustration from Little Journeys to the Homes of Famous Women, published 1897 (litho) by French School

She'll be Queen Yet
Impression of Edward, Duke of Kent showing off his baby daughter, Alexandrine Victoria, later Queen Victoria. After the death of King George IV, his brother, King William IV

Widowed and Childless (engraving)
1104676 Widowed and Childless (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Widowed and Childless)

Frederick VII of Denmark and his wife, Countess Danner (b / w photo)
3099687 Frederick VII of Denmark and his wife, Countess Danner (b/w photo) by European Photographer, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Frederick VII of Denmark and his wife)

Illustration for The Essays of Elia by Charles Lamb (engraving)
3621472 Illustration for The Essays of Elia by Charles Lamb (engraving) by Brock, Charles Edmund (1870-1938); Private Collection; (add.info)

Catherine of Braganza (1638-1705) (oil on canvas)
HSP198120 Catherine of Braganza (1638-1705) (oil on canvas) by Lely, Peter (1618-80) (studio of); Royal Hospital Chelsea, London, UK; (add.info.: daughter of King of Portugal; ); English

Arab women prostrating themselves before a sacred tree in prayer that they will be granted children (litho)
5207845 Arab women prostrating themselves before a sacred tree in prayer that they will be granted children (litho) by Woodville

Joachim and Anne choosing a Lamb for Sacrifice, 1512 (tempera on canvas laid down on wood
3740432 Joachim and Anne choosing a Lamb for Sacrifice, 1512 (tempera on canvas laid down on wood) by Fries, Hans (1470-1518); 87.5 x 56.5 cm; Kunstmuseum, Basel

The Gilded Cage (oil on canvas)
WDM27987 The Gilded Cage (oil on canvas) by Morgan, Evelyn De (1855-1919); 89.5x106.7 cm; De Morgan Collection, courtesy of the De Morgan Foundation; eDe Morgan Foundation; English, out of copyright

Jocosa, Countess of Dalhousie, 1795 (engraving)
XJF495486 Jocosa, Countess of Dalhousie, 1795 (engraving) by English School, (18th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Jocosa Ramsay (nee Apsley), Countess of Dalhousie (died 1663)

The Empress Josephine (1763-1814) from The Gallery of Portraits, published 1833
KW200780 The Empress Josephine (1763-1814) from The Gallery of Portraits, published 1833 (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

Mary I (1516-58) Queen of England from 1553. Daughter of Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon and a staunch Roman Catholic, Mary married Philip II of Spain but the marriage was childless

Woman depressed about fertility
MODEL RELEASED. Infertility. Conceptual composite image of a nude woman crying, sitting on an anatomical textbook showing the female reproductive system

Princess Louise, Duchess of Argyle
Princess Louise (1848-1939), Duchess of Argyle. Louise was Queen Victorias fourth daughter and sixth child. She married the Duke of Argyll in 1871 and was the only one of Victoria

All Professionally Made to Order for Quick Shipping

"Childless: A Journey Through History and Emotion" In this captivating collection of illustrations, engravings, and photographs, we delve into the lives of remarkable individuals who experienced the bittersweet reality of being childless. From Empress Josephine to Countess Danner, their stories unfold before our eyes, revealing a range of emotions that accompany this unique path. The portrait of Empress Josephine takes us back to an era when motherhood was not only a personal joy but also a duty for royalty. Despite her influential position as Napoleon Bonaparte's wife, she remained childless throughout her life. The engraving "Widowed and Childless" further emphasizes the poignant loneliness that can come with such circumstances. Moving forward in time, we encounter Frederick VII of Denmark and his wife Countess Danner captured in black and white. Their somber expressions hint at the longing they felt for children to carry on their legacy. Meanwhile, Charles Lamb's essay illustration reminds us that childlessness is not limited to nobility; it touches people from all walks of life. Catherine of Braganza's oil painting portrays another facet - that of historical figures whose inability to bear heirs had far-reaching consequences for dynasties and nations alike. Yet amidst these tales tinged with sadness are glimpses into hopefulness as Arab women prostrate themselves before sacred trees praying fervently for the gift of children. The tender scene depicted in "Joachim and Anne choosing a Lamb for Sacrifice" reveals both faith and desperation intertwined as couples seek divine intervention in their quest for parenthood. And just like birds trapped within gilded cages yearning for freedom, those without offspring often find themselves confined by societal expectations or personal desires unfulfilled. Jocosa, Countess Dalhousie's engraved image captures a sense of resignation mixed with acceptance - an acknowledgment that one can lead a fulfilling life even without biological children.