Dorothea Lange - Migrant Mother ( Gelatin silver print )

About the Artwork :

Migrant Mother, Dorothea Lange's 1936 photograph of Florence Owens Thompson and children became the most famous image of the Great Depression in the United States. Its one of the classic photographs of the 20th century, and is now an icon of resiliance in the face of adversity. Its focus seems to be a little off, but its still a great image

Background info of Dorothea Lange :

Dorothea Lange (May 26, 1895 – October 11, 1965) was an influential American documentary photographer and photojournalist, best known for her Depression-era work for the Farm Security Administration (FSA). Lange's photographs humanized the tragic consequences of the Great Depression and profoundly influenced the development of documentary photography.

Description :

- The painting is dominated by the 'Mother' figure in the center.

- The foreground , ther is the 'Mother' figure with a frowned face. She is carrying a baby in her arms.

- In the background , there are two children facing the back and looking down . They are hugging the 'Mother' figure.

- The painting is composed of irregular shapes.

- The colours used are monotones , with only black and white.

- No texture is created in this print.

Analysis :

- The composition of the painting is created where by the 'Mother' figure is at the center and the two children are at the sides and facing the back.

- The background is characterized by dark shadows with gradient, createf by the figures.

- The foreground is dominated by the 'Mother' figure , frowning , with a worried and anxious face. Her wrinkles are showing that she had a hard time. She looks fragile.

- The artist draws focus to the 'Mother' figure by highlighting her face.

- The picture is realistic and is from a photograph taken by Dorothea.

Interpretation :

- The painting depicts a 'Mother' figure with two children standing on both sides and an infant in her arms.

- The subject matter is a reflection of anxiety. This may suggest that she is worried about something or in deep-thoughts as she is frowning , with a hand on her chin.

- Unlike regular family portraits , this painting shows no male figure that is possibly the father of the children.

- The artist seems to suggest that they are leading a hard life as they are all wearing worn-out clothings. The two children are also leaning against the 'Mother' figure , perhaps , in desire for comfort or may be they are not feeling well / sad / in hunger.

Evaluation :

- In my opinion , this painting portrays the worries and anxiety of the 'Mother' figure.

- The choice of colours portrayed are mono-toned , with only black and white. This can mean that the future of the figures are bleak and dark.

- It is a successful attempt because the portrait shows a strong sense of anxiety in the 'Mother' figure.