“The Volunteers,” created by the German artist Käthe Kollwitz in 1922, is a poignant woodcut on paper that belongs to the Expressionism movement. This artwork, part of the series “War,” is a striking example of genre painting and is housed in the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City, NY, US.
The artwork depicts a group of volunteers, possibly soldiers, marching forward with a sense of urgency and determination. Rendered in stark black and white, the bold lines and dramatic contrasts emphasize the emotional intensity and collective resolve of the figures. The expressions and body language of the characters communicate a somber yet resolute atmosphere, reflecting the harrowing experiences of war and the human spirit’s resilience in the face of adversity. The composition’s dynamic curves and lines create a sense of movement and unity, further enhancing the emotional impact of the piece.
