The artwork “Death,” created by Kathe Kollwitz between 1893 and 1897, is an influential piece within the Expressionism movement. It belongs to the genre of genre painting and is part of the series “A Weavers’ Revolt.”
The artwork captures a poignant and somber scene, characterized by the intense use of shadows and dark tones. In the composition, a seated figure, presumably deceased, is depicted with a closed expression, suggesting a state of eternal rest. To the right, figures draped in somber attire, including a child with a distressed expression, appear to be mourning. The background is rendered with a textured, somewhat claustrophobic atmosphere, further amplifying the emotional weight of the piece. Kollwitz’s work here powerfully conveys themes of sorrow, loss, and the harsh realities faced by the working class during times of revolt.
