THE OBSTETRICIAN

(Oil on Canvas, 24" x 30", 61.5cm x 77cm)

Perez based this work on the supposition that an unborn baby inside its mother's womb can hear everything that's going on outside. If this is true, this baby was well-informed. Note that he offers a flag of surrender to the doctor, but, just in case things don't go well, he is prepared to fight him with a pop gun!

The instruments and toys of war that reflect our violent society form a striking contrast to the peaceful presence of the chicks and doves. The new mother, attended by little cherubs, seems to be blissfully preoccupied -- perhaps with reading the latest advice on raising children successfully. The pregnant black girl patiently waits behind the doctor, her status revealed by her diminutive size. Notice the body language of the nurse. While she is only assisting, it looks as if she could take over as a midwife at a minute's notice.

What is the doctor handing the newborn -- a bill, a card for his next appointment, or an official ID card welcoming him into the human race?

Studies in Pencil

Initial "O"

Birth

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Last updated: 8 May 1998