Mother and Children c. 20th century

Thomas Schofield Handforth made this drawing, "Mother and Children," using ink on paper, and what strikes me is the tenderness he creates with such simple means. I can almost see him there, quickly sketching, trying to capture the essence of the moment. Look at those lines – they're so fluid, so light. I wonder what Handforth was thinking as he drew the mother’s calm face, her gentle gaze directed at the little one in her arms. The texture of the paper shows through, giving the drawing an intimate, almost ephemeral quality. It's like he's inviting us to share in this quiet, private scene. That single, confident stroke defining the curve of the mother’s shoulder – it speaks volumes about connection and care. It makes me think about other artists who've explored similar themes, like Käthe Kollwitz, but with a lightness and brevity all his own. It’s a reminder that artists keep having conversations through marks and gestures across time and space.