“The Widow I” by Kathe Kollwitz, created in 1921, is an influential work within the Expressionism movement and belongs to the portrait genre. This artwork is part of the series “War.”
The artwork features a solemn and emotive representation of a widow, utilizing stark contrasts of black and white to evoke a deep sense of grief and desolation. The figure is depicted in a hunched posture, with her arms crossed tightly over her chest, her head bowed in a sorrowful manner. The intricate lines and shadows highlight the profound emotional turmoil and the physical manifestation of mourning. Kollwitz’s masterful use of the woodcut technique accentuates the somber theme, making it a poignant commentary on the human condition in the aftermath of war.
