Untitled (Mother and Child) 1943

Bernard Karfiol made this 'Untitled (Mother and Child)' painting with what looks like gouache, judging by its matte finish. There's something so tender in the way Karfiol uses these subdued, earthy tones, creating a mood that feels both intimate and timeless. The texture of the paint is smooth, and the lines are soft, giving the figures a gentle, almost dreamlike quality. Look at the mother’s arms, see how they cradle the child. It's not just a physical embrace; it's a cocoon of love and protection. The child hugs her back, melting into her. It reminds me a little of Paula Modersohn-Becker, another artist who explored the themes of motherhood with such raw emotion. Like her, Karfiol doesn't shy away from the messiness and complexity of human connection. Art’s like that, not always neat and tidy.