“The End,” created by Kathe Kollwitz in 1897, is an aquatint and etching on paper belonging to the Expressionism art movement. This genre painting is part of the series “A Weavers’ Revolt” and is housed in the British Museum in London, UK.
The artwork depicts a somber and poignant scene, filled with an intense emotional atmosphere characteristic of Kollwitz’s style. It conveys the aftermath of a tragic event within a small, dimly lit room. The composition includes figures of individuals evidently overcome by despair. Two bodies lie lifeless on the floor in the foreground, symbolizing the dire toll of the depicted revolt. At the center of the room stands a woman, solemn and stoic, perhaps symbolizing resilience amidst sorrow. A man is seen bending over one of the fallen, with another observing from the doorway, evoking a sense of helplessness and loss. The space is stark, with minimal furnishings, highlighting the austere conditions and the gravity of the depicted scene. Kollwitz’s use of dark tones and stark contrasts enhances the emotional depth and dramatic intensity of the narrative presented in the artwork.
