Uncouth Kollwitz's The Sacrifice

As mentioned in the textbook, Kollwitz was an avowed socialist who harnessed her great empathy towards her profound artwork. Because of Kollwitz’s preference for simple techniques and black and white coloring, viewers are able to directly connect to the raw emotions that Kollwitz presents. The forthright nature of Kollwitz’s art forms are markedly different to the grandeur style that was employed by artist at that time. Kollwitz’s simple style allows viewers to feel a more intimate connection to the work.

Despite the early European impression that woodcutting was uncouth Kollwitz utilized the woodcutting media for an array of artworks. Kollwitz’s “The Sacrifice” is an example of her masterful woodcutting technique. Categorized in her War series, this black and cream work of art depicts a mother holding up her small child, which presumably is the sacrifice, up above her head. Both appear to not have any clothes. The woodcut technique affords the artwork a distinct, striking, and impactful image.

Also, I wonder if this subject matter is meant to represent her emotions after she lost her son in World War I.

Etching was another commonly used media by Kollwitz. Her etching titled “March of the Weavers” portrays a group of young men of working age who are marching collectively. Their faces are mixed with sorrow and anger and onlookers are hit by disturbed and sympathetic feelings towards the subject matter. Because this medium utilizes acid in its creation process, the lines and figures in the “March of the Weavers” are slightly obscure and not definite, which adds to the emotional disturbance that viewers feel because they reasoning for their distress in