“The Sacrifice,” created by Kathe Kollwitz in 1922, is an allegorical painting from the Expressionist art movement. It belongs to Kollwitz’s “War” series, which captures the poignant and grim realities of conflict.
The artwork depicts a harrowing and deeply emotional scene, rendered in monochromatic tones. A distressed figure appears to be offering or cradling an infant, symbolizing the profound themes of loss, despair, and the inescapable human cost of war. The use of stark contrasts and bold, expressive lines characteristic of the Expressionist style intensifies the emotional impact, making the viewer acutely feel the sense of sacrifice and sorrow within the composition.
