The image depicts a mother, responsible for the survival and well being of her children, and it is clear that she is doing her best to provide for her children despite the difficult circumstances the family was enduring. The composition of the figures in the photograph suggests the mother's importance. The mother is at the centre of the photograph and directly faces the viewer, just as she is at the centre of her family. Two of the children are resting against their mother, leaning in toward each of her shoulders, showing that she is both supporting them physically and emotionally. Their faces are concealed and hide their identity. This technique reveals that this could be any family and naturally draws the viewer in to the situation. .
Through this specific artwork, Lange's belief in photography's ability to reveal social suffering, resilience, surviving and to educate society about particular issues is conveyed. Through the artwork, The Migrant Mother, line is evident by the vertical lines that are formed by the two kids on either side of the mother, which directs the eye the centre of the photograph. Line is also seen through the bold and dark lines of the mother's face, which portrays realism and truth to the artwork, as well as her vertical hand that is mirrored with the structure of the kids. The color of this artwork, is black and white, mainly because the camera could only capture those two colors, as technology wasn't as advanced. This is effective because black and white is very simple, which doesn't take away the focus of the main idea that is suffering and surviving. It's raw, it's stripped back, it's honest and it allows you to show the true person and issues. Value is achieved in this artwork through the vast variety from black to white. The dominant dark shades of the mother's hair are contrasted well with the light shades in the background and on the skin. This gives a sense of timelessness and adds realism and truth to the humanity of the era.
