About this artwork

This is one of several stylised wood carvings Schotz produced during the 1940s, different in style from the roughly-finished bronzes with which he is normally associated. Although the sculpture is modernist in style, Schotz worked in the classical tradition of modelling and carving a nude without the support of drapery. The Lament was made in response to the Second World War. As an influential figure in the Glasgow Jewish community, Schotz organised exhibitions of Jewish art and helped war refugees. He described the sculpture as ‘an expression of my feelings for my fellow Jews of Europe.’ Carved as if curving away from the viewer and with her hands raised to her face, the figure appears to be withdrawing in horror.

Updated before 2020

  • artist:
    Benno Schotz (1891 - 1984) Scottish
  • title:
    The Lament
  • date created:
    1943
  • materials:
    Wood (lignum vitae)
  • measurements:
    91.50 x 30.50 x 21.50 cm
  • object type:
  • credit line:
    Purchased 1971
  • accession number:
    GMA 1216
  • gallery:
  • subject:
  • artwork photographed by:
    Antonia Reeve
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Benno Schotz

Benno Schotz