Kathe Kollwitz: A survey of her work 1867-1945

Käthe Kollwitz's diary entry from 1922 expresses her desire to make a difference during a time of confusion and need. She achieved worldwide recognition with her drawings, prints, and sculptures, and her works such as "A Weavers Revolt" and "The Peasant War" showcased her skills as a graphic artist. This new monograph presents a comprehensive overview of her life and work, highlighting her as one of the most important German women artists of Classic Modernism.

Format: Hardback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 28 April 2022
Publisher: Hirmer Verlag

Käthe Kollwitz (1867 – 1945) was a renowned artist who gained international recognition for her drawings, printed graphics, and sculptures throughout her lifetime. Her exceptional talent was evident early on, with her notable graphic works such as Ein Weberaufstand (A Weavers Revolt) and Bauernkrieg (The Peasant War) showcasing her skills as a graphic artist. From the beginning of her career, her etchings, lithographs, and woodcuts were sought after by prestigious art institutions. Käthe Kollwitz's fame as an artist continued to grow, and she was honored with numerous awards. In 1919, she made history by becoming the first woman to be appointed professor by the Prussian Academy of Arts.

This new monograph offers a comprehensive exploration of Käthe Kollwitz's life and work, presenting it with unparalleled depth. It sheds light on the significant contributions she made to the field of German women artists of Classic Modernism, highlighting her enduring influence and impact. Through a rich array of images, illustrations, and critical analysis, the book provides a deep understanding of Käthe Kollwitz's artistic journey, her social and political concerns, and her profound connection with her audience.

Käthe Kollwitz's artistic style was characterized by her powerful and expressive drawings, which often depicted the struggles and hardships of ordinary people. Her works were deeply rooted in her social and political convictions, reflecting the realities of her time. She was particularly interested in the lives of women, children, and the working class, and her art often served as a powerful tool for social activism and awareness.

One of Käthe Kollwitz's most notable works is her series of etchings titled "The Weavers," which depicted the struggles of textile workers during the Industrial Revolution. The series, which was completed in 1912, was a powerful indictment of the exploitation and oppression faced by workers in the industrial sector. Käthe Kollwitz's use of bold lines and expressive gestures captured the raw emotions and physical toll of labor, making her etchings a poignant and unforgettable testament to the human cost of industrialization.

In addition to her etchings, Käthe Kollwitz also created a series of lithographs titled "The Peasant War," which depicted the struggles of rural farmers during the German Revolution. The series, which was completed in 191913, was a powerful portrayal of the hardships and sacrifices endured by farmers in the face of political and economic upheaval. Käthe Kollwitz's use of bold colors and dynamic compositions captured the intensity and violence of the peasant revolt, making her lithographs a powerful and enduring testament to the resilience and determination of the rural community.

Käthe Kollwitz's sculptures were also notable for their powerful and expressive qualities. Her works often depicted the human form in a raw and vulnerable state, reflecting the emotional and physical toll of life's struggles. Her sculptures, such as "Mother with Two Children," which was completed in 1922, depicted a mother cradling her two children in a tender and protective embrace, conveying a sense of love, strength, and resilience.

Käthe Kollwitz's life and work were marked by her commitment to social justice and her dedication to using art as a means of promoting change. She was a vocal advocate for women's rights, labor rights, and social equality, and her art often served as a platform for her political activism. She was a member of the German Communist Party and was actively involved in the anti-war movement during World War I.

Despite facing numerous challenges and obstacles throughout her life, Käthe Kollwitz remained committed to her art and her social causes. She continued to create and exhibit her work until her death in 1945, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and influence artists and activists around the world.

In conclusion, Käthe Kollwitz was a remarkable artist who achieved worldwide recognition for her powerful and expressive drawings, printed graphics, and sculptures. Her life and work were marked by her commitment to social justice and her dedication to using art as a means of promoting change. This new monograph offers a comprehensive exploration of Käthe Kollwitz's life and work, presenting it with unparalleled depth and insight. Through a rich array of images, illustrations, and critical analysis, the book provides a deep understanding of Käthe Kollwitz's artistic journey, her social and political concerns, and her profound connection with her audience. Käthe Kollwitz's legacy as an artist and social activist continues to inspire and influence artists and activists today, reminding us of the power world of the power of art to inspire change and promote social justice.

Weight: 1802g
Dimension: 289 x 247 x 32 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783777430799