Kathe Kollwitz was a German artist who is mainly associated with the Expressionist movement, though her earlier works were rooted in realism. Her skills included painting, printmaking, and sculpture. She was born in 1867 and when she was twelve her father encouraged her to take drawing lessons. Kollwitz pursued a career as an artist and enrolled in an art school for women located in Berlin, this was where she was exposed to the work of Max Kinger. Kinger’s etchings, techniques, and social beliefs greatly inspired her own work.
In 1888 Kollwitz became engaged and continued her training at a women’s art school in Munich, while she studied here she found herself drawn to draughtsmanship rather than traditional paintings. Her stunning work came to life through her drawings where she explored Expressionism.
Paintings by Kathe Kollwitz in Chronological Order