Standing Mother and Child (Primary Title)
Elizabeth Catlett, Mexican, born United States, 1915–2012 (Artist)
Standing Mother and Child is among the best-known sculptures by the seminal African American artist and social activist Elizabeth Catlett. The iconic theme of mother and child, so expressively rendered in the 1978 bronze, is one most associated with the artist (who had three sons with her second husband, Francisco Mora). Characterized by Catlett’s distinctive figural realism with abstract elements drawn from African and Pre-Columbian art, Standing Mother and Child emphasizes the loving intimacy between the all-but-fused figures.
Modern
Gift of Richmond Chapter, The Links, Inc.
Making History: 20th-century African American Art-from the Margaret and John Gottwald Collection, VMFA 2012
©artist or artist’s estate
Some object records are not complete and do not reflect VMFA's full and current knowledge. VMFA makes routine updates as records are reviewed and enhanced.