“The Carmagnole (Dance Around the Guillotine)” is an artwork created by Kathe Kollwitz in 1901. This piece is part of the Expressionism movement and belongs to the genre painting category.
The artwork, rendered in a monochromatic palette, depicts a group of figures engaging in an animated dance. The scene is set amidst densely packed, dark, and towering buildings, which loom ominously over the revelers below. The cobblestone street underfoot adds texture and a sense of realism to the composition. At the center of the artwork, the figures are depicted with energetic and expressive movements, their raised arms and twisted bodies reflecting a sense of urgency and emotion. In the background, the silhouette of a guillotine stands as a looming reminder of the grim context surrounding the celebration. The detailed rendering of the architectural elements contrasts with the fluid and dynamic portrayal of the human figures, capturing the tension and vibrancy of the moment.
