Alleen uw gift is in staat deze kinderen te helpen. Vereeniging Hulp voor onbehuisden (1914)

Willem Pothast's poignant 1914 painting "Alleen uw gift is in staat deze kinderen te helpen" deeply resonates as an emotional call to action. Translated to "Only your gift is able to help these children," the work was created as part of a campaign for the Dutch charity "Vereeniging Hulp voor Onbehuisden" (Association for Assisting the Homeless).The painting captures a somber winter scene featuring two children in the grips of poverty. The pair stand in a stark, snow-covered landscape that further emphasizes their vulnerable state. The boy, appearing frail and downcast, is clad in oversized, ragged clothes slightly reminiscent of adult garments, suggesting they may have been handed down or scavenged. Beside him is a girl, slightly sturdier in appearance, dressed in a brightly colored red coat that starkly contrasts against the bleak surroundings. Her face, tilted towards the boy, perhaps shows a mix of concern and companionship.The bottom of the artwork is occupied by a bold green banner that not only names the charity but also assures the viewer that they can contribute towards a better future for such children. The director’s name and headquarters of the organization are also listed, providing credible pathways for public engagement and support.Pothast's work serves as a powerful embodiment of social advocacy through art. It not only draws attention to the dire circumstances faced by homeless children during the early 20th century in the Netherlands but also evokes a sense of urgency and shared responsibility among viewers.