“Solidarity,” created by Kathe Kollwitz in 1932, is an exemplary artwork of the Expressionism movement and falls under the genre of genre painting. The piece powerfully encapsulates the essence of human unity and support during times of hardship.
The artwork, rendered in a monochromatic palette, depicts four individuals in close proximity, their arms interlocked in a gesture of solidarity and support. The figures, characterized by their heavy, expressive lines and rugged features, seem to convey a sense of determined resilience against an unseen adversity. The intense look in their eyes and the somber expressions on their faces capture the emotional weight of their shared struggles. The simplicity and starkness of the composition highlight the raw human emotion and the collective strength of the individuals portrayed. This artwork is a poignant representation of the human spirit’s capacity for unity in the face of challenge and adversity.