Photography Project Description "Migrant Mother"

The black and white picture “Migrant Mother” taken by famous photographer Dorothea Lange shows a Native American woman, probably in her 30s, holding a little baby in her arms while being surrounded by two toddlers leaning against their mother’s shoulder. They are hiding their faces, be it out of sombreness, embarrassment or shyness in front of the camera. The simple, slightly ragged yet proper clothes cannot distract from the sad and sorrowful atmosphere that is created by the little family huddled tightly together outside their simple tent. Her hand’s fingertips are resting thoughtfully against her lower jaw. When closely regarding the mother’s face in detail one can see that her face has been wrinkled by raw weather and the worries of her unforgiving life. With her lined forehead and her gaze into the distance, she seems to be troubled by her and her children’s uncertain future. Despite her obvious misery there lies a certain determination and strength in her appearance, as if she was a lonely wolf mother protecting her pups from the woes of the world.