Fit to Work

#31, Auschwitz Album Revisited

Oil Painting by Dr. Pat Mercer Hutchens

Once these women arrived, to Auschwitz everything they had brought with them was taken away and thrown into huge piles. Men were separated from the women and children. Women were then divided into ‘fit to work’ and ‘unfit to work’ lines. Their hair was crudely chopped off. They were sent in groups to shower rooms. They were deloused by having lime poured over their whole body.

They were given sack dresses and scarves. These three women were standing among a large group waiting for the next orders. The first one is obviously pregnant and traumatized. The second appears to be praying. The third clutches the top of her blouse as if to recover some degree of dignity while she stares around in unbelief.