Maternity, a Story in Images

Maternity, a Story in Images is a work published by BnF Éditions that explores the representation of motherhood from Antiquity to the present. Curator Laurence Jung, author of the book, constructs a visual narrative based on the heritage collections of the National Library of France, showcasing prints, manuscripts, photographs, and medals that illustrate the social and artistic complexity of this theme.

The book also includes a preface by Nancy Huston, offering reflections on the tensions between biology, society, and cultural developments. The publication is conceived as a journey between the sacred and the everyday, showing how motherhood is often both an ideal and a social reality, evolving over time and through collective imaginaries.

The technical production was managed by Nexe Impressions, with printing carried out at Agpograf Impressors, ensuring precise process control and color management. The book combines a Wibalin Flexcover by Winter Company and 256 interior pages of Munken Lynx Rough by Munken Paper (Arctic Paper). Offset printing is done in four-color process, and an acrylic varnish is applied to the cover. The sewn softcover binding with flaps ensures a comfortable and durable opening. The printed work provides an educational and contemplative experience, highlighting the power of images to narrate the history and significance of motherhood.