There are things a mother carries that cannot be measured.
In this deeply intimate work, Käthe Kollwitz depicts a mother holding the body of her child. There is grief here, certainly, but what feels most present is the holding itself—the instinct to gather a child toward the body, to remain connected even when there is nothing left to protect them from. Kollwitz was known for turning her attention toward ordinary human experience, particularly motherhood, grief, tenderness, poverty, and loss.
It is an image of loss. But perhaps even more, an image of the magnitude of maternal love.
This archival-quality public domain reproduction has been paired with a substantial vintage frame, selected for the contrast between its architectural presence and the intimacy of the image within. A warm gold finish carries beautiful age and patina, with reddish undertones revealed through years of wear. A linen inset softens the transition between frame and artwork.
Artwork and frame were sourced separately and brought together with intention. The frame seemed to call for something small enough to be discovered rather than simply seen.
9.5" W × 11.75" H × 1.5" D framed.
Artwork approximately 2.75" × 3".
Vintage frame with age-appropriate patina, wear and variation to the finish. These characteristics are part of the history and character of the piece.
One of one pairing.
There is only what is found.
There are things a mother carries that cannot be measured.
In this deeply intimate work, Käthe Kollwitz depicts a mother holding the body of her child. There is grief here, certainly, but what feels most present is the holding itself—the instinct to gather a child toward the body, to remain connected even when there is nothing left to protect them from. Kollwitz was known for turning her attention toward ordinary human experience, particularly motherhood, grief, tenderness, poverty, and loss.
It is an image of loss. But perhaps even more, an image of the magnitude of maternal love.
This archival-quality public domain reproduction has been paired with a substantial vintage frame, selected for the contrast between its architectural presence and the intimacy of the image within. A warm gold finish carries beautiful age and patina, with reddish undertones revealed through years of wear. A linen inset softens the transition between frame and artwork.
Artwork and frame were sourced separately and brought together with intention. The frame seemed to call for something small enough to be discovered rather than simply seen.
9.5" W × 11.75" H × 1.5" D framed.
Artwork approximately 2.75" × 3".
Vintage frame with age-appropriate patina, wear and variation to the finish. These characteristics are part of the history and character of the piece.
One of one pairing.
There is only what is found.
