Age and death

The examination of the theme of death permeates the entire oeuvre of Käthe Kollwitz. The setbacks and obstructions to which Kollwitz was exposed after the National Socialists seized power once again intensified her preoccupation with this theme. In the lithographic cycle Death she draws a conclusion of her artistic work. The death of relatives, especially her husband Karl, led to her first sculptural works, which produced her own unique motifs.

Four studies of Karl Kollwitz, dozing, from 1940. He supports his head with his right hand. Signed lower right: Kollwitz. In the center of the sheet, between the studies, signed: Karl Kollwitz. Drawn by Käthe Kollwitz
Käthe Kollwitz, study, Dr. Karl Kollwitz, 1940, pencil and charcoal drawing; (c) private collection.

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