“The Parents” is a poignant woodcut created by Käthe Kollwitz in 1922, emblematic of the Expressionism movement and categorized as a genre painting. This artwork is part of the series “War” and is housed in the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., United States.
In the artwork, Kollwitz depicts a deeply emotional scene rendered in stark black and white. The composition portrays two figures, presumably parents, in a moment of profound grief and sorrow, presumably mourning the loss of a child. The figures are huddled together in an embrace, encapsulated by heavy, expressive lines and sharp contrasts typical of woodcut techniques. The raw and powerful strokes evoke a sense of despair and anguish, capturing the personal and collective trauma of war. This intimate yet universal depiction resonates deeply, conveying the tragic impact of war on individuals and families.
