Have you ever stopped to appreciate the everyday heroes of history? The silent figures who shaped society with their tireless dedication and unflinching spirit? Today, we stand before a monument that celebrates one such group: the “Wäscherrinnen / Mütter mit Kindern” or the “Washerwomen / Mothers with Children” Sculpture.
This bronze artwork, created by the Viennese artist Walter Leitner in 1965, is a moving tribute to a group of hardworking women who were the backbone of their community. The sculpture portrays a group of mothers carrying baskets of laundry, a task that was crucial to the daily lives of families in Vienna. The mothers are delicately depicted, each carrying the weight of responsibility and love.
The sculpture’s location on Erlaaer Strasse in the 23rd district of Vienna, Liesing, is not a random choice. This area was historically known as a “traditional neighborhood,” a place where families lived and worked together. The “Wäscherrinnen / Mütter mit Kindern” Sculpture serves as a symbol of this close-knit community, as well as their shared struggles and triumphs. It is a reminder that, in each generation, there are everyday heroes who deserve our gratitude and admiration.