Sculptuur van Hans en Grietje door vermoedelijk Carl Cauer before 1910

This photograph captures a sculpture of Hansel and Gretel, likely crafted by Carl Cauer, though the artist remains anonymous. The texture of the sculpture, smooth and flowing, belies the original raw material. The artist’s hand, or perhaps their tools, coaxed this stillness from the material, obscuring the process of creation. But that smoothness, that perfected finish, gives the piece an emotional depth. See how Gretel leans on Hansel, her trust apparent, her fatigue palpable. Consider how the story resonates with us still, this image of innocent children lost in a world of adult machinations. In some ways, this feels like the work of someone like Balthus, who also used his art to explore the darker side of childhood. The ambiguity of the piece allows for multiple readings, opening up a space of imagination around the artwork.