One of the most touching sculptures in Glasgow’s art gallery and museum is George Lawson’s, Motherless. It is fashioned of cold, marble-like, plaster, but the depth of emotion caught in the piece is palpable. You can feel the loss and the sorrow, the despair and the loneliness, and at the same time the warmth of the father’s love and the child’s trust. Both the father and child look completely worn and wearied by their loss, but there is a comfort there between them. He comforting and keeping her; she resting reassured in him. They are worn and heartbroken, but they have each other. We can see the strength of the father as he cuddles his heartbroken child, and it comforts us. We know he will care for her and keep her safe all the days of her life. Notice the little shoes and socks lying on the floor, and her little bare feet sticking out from under her father’s strong hands. I find those especially touching. That tells me he is not going to be a heavy-handed, pragmatic father, but one who in tender love will nurture his little charge with great care.
Motherless by George Anderson Lawson
I used my iPhone 3GS to take this photo.
Aug 20, 2012 @ 07:28:29
That sculpture is absolutely gorgeous Elizabeth, and you couldn’t have said it better – the emotion that radiates. I don’t believe I could look at it very long without crying, it’s already brought a lump to my throat.
Aug 20, 2012 @ 11:06:27
An amazing work of art.
Thanks for sharing.