Empty Handed 1991

"Empty Handed" is a 1991 oil painting by Marlene Dumas that depicts a young child with short blonde hair sitting with their hands in their lap. The child's pose, with their head slightly bowed and their hands clasped, evokes a sense of vulnerability and introspection. Dumas is known for her expressive and often haunting portraits, and this work is a poignant example of her exploration of childhood innocence and the weight of human experience. Her use of muted colors and loose brushstrokes creates a sense of intimacy and immediacy, drawing the viewer into the child's world.