A two-time winner of the Archibald Prize, Judy Cassab AO CBE was a portraitist of immense insight and imagination, able to capture not only a sitter’s likeness but the spirit of their times. As well as painting social luminaries, royals, fellow artists, family and friends, she was also a prolific draughtswoman, printmaker and an acclaimed landscape artist. Today, Cassab’s portraits reside in the British Royal Collection, National Portrait Gallery, National Gallery of Australia, and many other prominent and prestigious public, corporate and notable private collections.

‘Mother Love’ – an elegant, two plate coloured etching and aquatint – captures a mother holding her baby. While the exact subject of this work is unknown, it is underscored by Cassab’s own experience with her mother and as a mother. During the Second World War, both Cassab’s mother and father disappeared when the Nazis entered Hungary. 12,000 Jews like her parents were transferred to the ghetto and from there, to Auschwitz. 

During this time, Cassab’s husband was also imprisoned by Nazis, leaving the couple separated for three years. When they were finally reunited and the war ended, Cassab found herself grief-stricken over her mother’s presumable death – her memory “the bleeding wound I carry inside”. Yet, having been reunited with her husband, she felt an impetus to go on and soon had her first child.

The emotional complexity of this juncture in Cassab’s life – grieving her own mother while entering motherhood herself – is poignant. While it may not be explicit in ‘Mother’s Love’, the work carries a gentle intensity. It is an image of love, protection and possibility, ideal for collectors of Cassab or important etchings, or those who grasp the enduring power of a mother’s love.

Judy CASSAB (1920 - 2015)
'Mother Love' 2004
two-plate coloured etching and aquatint on paper
Edition of 70
Image Size: 32 x 25 cm
Dimensions: 51 x 40 cm
Signed: Signed, dated, titled and numbered in pencil in margin below image.
 
Comes with Letter of Provenance
 
Condition: Excellent
 
(c) Judy Cassab / Copyright Agency