First Critique

This image by German artist Kathe Kollwitz, titled "Widows and Orphans" is a powerful one that I believe has a strong relationship with devotion. Although the title suggests that these women and children have nothing to do with each other, it also seems like a direct allusion to mothers holding on to their children very tightly, as if they are trying to protect them from something. Noticing Kathe's background, in which she lost her son and grandson in the army, she seems to be reflecting herself, and how she wanted to protect the children from the dangers of the world.

The composition of this image shows deep contrast, particularly creating emphasis around the faces of the women to depict their emotions. The sadness in these mothers' eyes creates a sensory experience for the viewer, by showing their devotion to the children, as they seem willing to be taken themselves before they allow these children to be. Each mother shows their devotion in different ways. The one on the far left is weeping, as well as the far right showing a very sad and depressed emotion. The second one on the left has an expression depicting that she refuses to let go and is willing to fight for that. The one next to her is simply hugging the children and appreciating every second she has left with them. I believe this is a particularly good example of the different ways devotion can be expressed to just one subject, your own children.