The Widow

Image on left, Kathe Kollwitz, The Widow I (Die Witwe I), 1922–23 

Every time I walk by this tree out back I'm drawn to what appears to be the figure of a woman on its trunk. Her body is rigid and her eyes are downcast. She appears trapped, lonely, and in despair. She reminds me of the work of Kathe Kollwitz, a German artist that lived between 1867 and 1945. Kollwitz is known primarily for her powerfully haunting depictions of women and children. She lost a son during WWI and her prints often convey the sorrow and devastation of war. She is easily one of my favorite artists.