This is an archival print by Pat Mercer Hutchens, one of a series being offered through TJCI to remember and honor those who perished in the Holocaust. Pat is particularly zooming in on the women and the children. Click here to find the print available in our online store.
From the artist: “These Jewish women were dragged from their homes and herded like sardines into trains to Auschwitz. Once they arrived, everything they had brought with them was taken away and thrown into huge piles. Men were separated from the women and children. Women were then divided into ‘fit to work’ and ‘unfit to work’ lines. The ‘unfit to work’ were taken to be gassed and burned. Those considered ‘fit to work’ were taken to an area to process them. Their hair was crudely chopped off. They were sent in groups to shower rooms. They were deloused by having lime poured over their whole body. They were given sack dresses and scarves. These three women were standing among a large group waiting for the next orders. The first one is obviously pregnant and traumatized. The second appears to be praying. The third clutches the top of her blouse as if to recover some degree of dignity while she stares around in unbelief.”
