Cradle Song 1955

Theodore Roszak, who was born in Poland and raised in Chicago, made this sculpture, ‘Cradle Song,’ as an iron construction. Roszak began his career as a painter, but he became a sculptor after World War II. Roszak became preoccupied with creating abstract forms that were meant to explore the anxieties of the atomic age. His work is often seen as a reflection of the fear and uncertainty that many people felt during the Cold War. The sharp, angular forms and the rough, textured surfaces of Roszak's sculptures evoke a sense of danger and violence. Yet, the title, 'Cradle Song,' suggests tenderness and care, creating a poignant contrast. The sculpture may be seen as a statement about the fragility of life, the importance of protecting our children, and the need to find hope in the face of adversity. Roszak once said, ‘Sculpture is a celebration of life, a response to life, a vital act of faith.’ It makes you wonder what kind of lullaby this sculpture might sing.