Mother and Child (Mutter und Kind) 1913

Emil Nolde made this print, Mother and Child, using lithography, where the mark-making is so direct, you can feel the artist’s hand pulling the image from the stone. The blues and greens feel heavy, pressing in on the figures, except for that sliver of yellow that suggests a spiritual light or presence. Look at the way the marks build up the form of the mother and child. It’s all about mass, not detail. See how the lithographic crayon scratches at the surface, creating a sense of depth and texture that pulls you in, while simultaneously remaining flat. There is a gestural intensity to the marks, especially around the child’s head, that conveys the tenderness and vulnerability of the subject. I am reminded of Paula Modersohn-Becker, another German Expressionist, who was also interested in the subject of motherhood. Both artists embraced a raw, unidealized vision of women, challenging traditional representations and celebrating the emotional complexity of human experience. This piece invites multiple interpretations, encouraging us to reflect on the universal themes of love, care, and connection.