August Friedrich Albrecht SCHENCK<br/> <em>Anguish</em> (c. 1878) <!-- (recto) --><br /> <em>(Angoisse)</em><br /> oil on canvas<br /> 151.0 x 251.2 cm<br /> National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne<br /> Purchased, 1880<br /> p.307.6-1<br /> <!--4344-->
August Friedrich Albrecht SCHENCK
Anguish (c. 1878)
(Angoisse)
oil on canvas
151.0 x 251.2 cm
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Purchased, 1880
p.307.6-1

MOTHER: Stories from the NGV Collection
Teacher and Student Programs

27 March 2026 – 12 July 2026

NGV Australia, Level 3

The portrayal of mother and child stands as one of the oldest and most enduring themes in art history. From the walls of caves to Ancient Egyptian tombs, and Renaissance frescos to contemporary depictions of motherhood, the maternal experience remains a subject of perpetual fascination and exploration for artists.

Presenting diverse stories from across the NGV Collection, including works by contemporary and historical Australian and First Nations artist alongside international art, MOTHER will unpack both universal and culturally specific experiences of motherhood, including societal expectations, intergenerational trauma, loss, mythology, religious iconography, storytelling and language, as well as the deep connection between motherhood, nature and Country.

Explore the range of NGV Educator-led programming or book a self-guided school visit below. Bookings are required for all school groups.

PROGRAMS FOR STUDENTS

Family, Identity and Belonging Through Art Levels F–6 Introductory Floortalk | MOTHER: Stories from the NGV Collection Levels 7–Tertiary VCE ART CREATIVE PRACTICE: Interpretive Lenses | MOTHER: Stories from the NGV Collection Levels VCE
Enquiries

03 8620 2340, 9am–5pm weekdays

Or via the form below:

We require four weeks notice for all bookings.

Changes to your booking must be made in writing. Changes can be made up to 14 days prior to your visit. Invoices will be sent prior to the visit. Full program fees will be incurred for late cancellations or amendments.

Please note that this is a booking request only. Please also note that due to the high volume of booking requests we have been receiving, we are currently taking longer than usual to respond to each request. We appreciate your patience and understanding.

School details

Group details

If less than 10 students attend a program, minimum fees may apply
My group may include students who:

Program Selection

Are you booking another program on this date?
Please provide details of any relevant themes and skills your students are learning about at school. While we cannot offer individually tailored programs, our museum educators will consider this information when selecting and discussing works of art during the program.

Date Selection

We recommend you provide three date options for your program to avoid disappointment. We will do our best to accommodate your first preference, however due to high demand this may not always be possible.

Terms and Conditions

We do not take tentative bookings. Bookings are considered firm at time of booking. Any amendments, including changes to participant numbers, must be made by email at least 14 days prior to the program. Invoices will be sent prior to the visit. Full program fees will be incurred for late cancellations or amendments. Payment must be paid at least one week prior to the visit.

Terms & conditions
Terms and Conditions

Please note the following terms and conditions prior to booking:

  • All bookings are confirmed at time of booking. Tentative bookings are not accepted
  • Invoices will be issued by NGV prior to visit. Payment must be paid at least one week prior to the visit
  • Requests to amend confirmed booking details (such as change to participant numbers), must be made by email at least 14 days prior to visit.
  • Full program fees will be incurred for late cancellations or amendments.
  • No refund for variance in student number during visit.
  • Students must be supervised at all times by a teacher or adult.