Son Watched as Woman Knelt at the Body of Her Husband 1963

This photographic print by Robert Hewett captures a heart-wrenching scene of human loss. There's something so immediate about the starkness of the composition; it really pulls you in. Looking at this image, I can't help but think about the weight of the moment captured. The way the figures are positioned, the textures of the scene. I wonder what Hewett was thinking as he framed the shot. Was he trying to convey a sense of helplessness? The monochrome palette evokes a sense of solemnity, almost like a quiet lament. It reminds me of other photographers who have documented the human condition in times of crisis, people like Don McCullin and Susan Meiselas. Each of these photographers adds to the dialogue of human experience. Ultimately, it’s about empathy, isn't it? I can feel the ongoing exchange of ideas across time, inspiring a creative response to this kind of suffering.