Firewood #55 1942

Jacob Lawrence made this gouache painting, Firewood #55, using bold colors and simplified forms. At first glance, you see the woman gathering firewood, a timeless motif of sustenance and survival. But look closer. This act is rendered in a strikingly modern style, with sharp angles and flat planes of color. The woman's red dress stands out against the muted tones of the landscape, reminiscent of the robes worn by figures in Renaissance art. But here, it's not about religious symbolism, but an echo of something primal and enduring. Gathering wood, a task performed since the dawn of humanity, becomes a charged symbol in Lawrence's hands. Like the figures in Millet’s paintings of peasants, this woman represents a deep connection to the earth, and to the struggle for survival. This timeless act transcends its immediate context, becoming a potent symbol of resilience, echoing through time and across cultures.