The artwork titled “Death, Woman, and Child” by Käthe Kollwitz, created circa 1910 to 1931, is a symbolic painting rendered on paper. Measuring 55.6 by 61.2 cm, this evocative piece belongs to the collection of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City, New York, United States.
The composition of the artwork powerfully captures a deeply emotional and intimate moment among three figures. The scene is somber and poignant, with the figures of the woman and the child lying closely together, suggesting themes of mortality and maternal protectiveness. Kollwitz’s mastery in utilizing light and shadow accentuates the contours of the bodies, emphasizing the tenderness and tragic beauty of the scene. The expressions and posture of the figures convey a sense of profound sorrow and inevitable fate, characteristic of Kollwitz’s poignant exploration of human suffering and endurance. The subtle use of the medium highlights the fragility of life and the inexorable presence of death, making the artwork a moving testament to the human condition.
