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The Empty Chair by Lawson Wood
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The Empty Chair by Lawson Wood
A moving illustration featured in the Tatler in December 1915 showing a woman, head bent in grief, sitting by a fireside, while an empty chair beside her speaks volumes about the person who is missing - perhaps a husband or son, away fighting (or a casualty of?) during World War One. An unusually serious subject for the artist Lawson Wood, better known for his humorous illustrations featuring Granpop, a wily orang utan. Date: 1915
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Media ID 14136947
© Estate of Lawson Wood/ILN/Mary Evans Picture Library
Absence Absent Empty Fireside Grief Grieving Lawson Loneliness Lonely Loss Missing Mourning Sadness Widow Widowhood Widows
The Empty Chair
EDITORS COMMENTS
is a poignant and moving illustration by Lawson Wood, created in December 1915 for the Tatler magazine. Departing from his usual humorous style, Wood captured the profound sense of absence, home, and sadness experienced by women during the First World War. The illustration portrays a woman, her head bowed in grief, sitting by a fireside. An empty chair beside her speaks volumes about the person who is missing - a husband or son, away fighting or a casualty of the war. The image is an unusual departure for Wood, who was known for his light-hearted and humorous illustrations featuring Granpop, a wily orangutan. However, the somber subject matter reflects the profound impact of the war on the home front and the women who were left behind. The woman's expression of sadness and loss is palpable, as she clutches a handkerchief in her hand, her eyes filled with tears. The empty chair, with its worn-out appearance and a military greatcoat draped over the back, adds to the sense of absence and longing. The fireside, once a symbol of warmth and comfort, now stands as a reminder of the emptiness and loneliness that comes with the absence of a loved one. The illustration is a powerful representation of the emotional toll of the war on women and the concept of widowhood during this period. It serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made during the Great War and the profound impact it had on families and communities. The empty chair is a haunting symbol of the many absences felt during this time, and the profound sense of sadness and loss that came with them. Overall, "The Empty Chair" is a moving and thought-provoking illustration that captures the essence of absence, loss, and grief during the First World War. It is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made during this period and the profound impact it had on the lives of women and families on the home front.
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