Käthe Kollwitz
Käthe Kollwitz: A Life of Passion and Purpose
#### Full Name and Common Aliases
Käthe Schmidt-Kollwitz was a renowned German artist known for her powerful and emotionally charged prints, drawings, and sculptures. She is often referred to as Käthe Kollwitz or simply Kollwitz, and her work continues to inspire artists, activists, and anyone moved by the human experience.
#### Birth and Death Dates
Born on July 8, 1867, in Königsberg, Prussia (now Kaliningrad, Russia), Käthe Kollwitz passed away on February 22, 1945, at the age of 77. Her life spanned a tumultuous period in human history, marked by wars, social unrest, and profound change.
#### Nationality and Profession(s)
Käthe Kollwitz was a German artist, printmaker, and sculptor. Throughout her career, she explored various mediums to convey the struggles and triumphs of ordinary people, earning recognition as one of the most important artists of the 20th century.
#### Early Life and Background
Growing up in a liberal middle-class family, Käthe was exposed to art from an early age. Her father, Karl Schmidt, was a successful merchant who encouraged his children's artistic pursuits. Käthe's mother, Käthe Schmidt, was a strong influence on her life, instilling in her the importance of social justice and compassion. The family moved to Berlin when Käthe was eight years old, exposing her to the city's vibrant cultural scene.
#### Major Accomplishments
Käthe Kollwitz's career spanned over six decades, during which she produced an impressive body of work that tackled themes such as poverty, war, and social inequality. Some of her most notable achievements include:
Founding member of the German Expressionist movement: Kollwitz was one of the key figures in shaping this influential art movement, which emphasized subjective emotion and individual experience.
Pioneering printmaker: Her innovative use of printmaking techniques allowed her to create intricate, detailed works that captivated audiences worldwide.
Sculpture and monument design: Kollwitz's sculptures often addressed themes of social justice and human rights, earning her recognition as a leading figure in the field.
#### Notable Works or Actions
Some of Käthe Kollwitz's most notable works include:
"The Parents' Quarrel" (1898): A poignant etching that explores the tensions between parents and their children.
"Peasant War" (1921-1937): A series of prints and drawings that commemorated the 1525 Peasants' War in Germany, a pivotal moment in European history.
"War" (1937): A powerful sculpture created during World War II, expressing her outrage at the devastation caused by war.
#### Impact and Legacy
Käthe Kollwitz's impact on modern art is immeasurable. Her work continues to inspire artists, activists, and anyone moved by the human experience. She remains one of the most important women in 20th-century art history, a testament to her unwavering dedication to social justice.
#### Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Käthe Kollwitz's legacy extends far beyond her artwork. Her commitment to social justice, empathy, and compassion has made her a source of inspiration for generations. Her quotes, which often reflect her deep concern for humanity, offer valuable insights into the importance of art in shaping our understanding of the world.
This biography aims to capture the essence of Käthe Kollwitz's remarkable life and work, highlighting her contributions to modern art and her enduring impact on society.
Quotes by Käthe Kollwitz
I do not want to die... until I have faithfully made the most of my talent and cultivated the seed that was placed in me until the last small twig has grown.
As in everything else, I find that age is not good for much, that one becomes deafer and less sensitive. Also, the higher up the mountain you climb, the less of a view you get. A mist closes in and cheats you of the hoped-for and expected opportunity to see far and wide...
One day, a new ideal will arise, and there will be an end to all wars. I die convinced of this. It will need much hard work, but it will be achieved? The important thing, until that happens, is to hold one’s banner high and to struggle? Without struggle there is no life.
There must be understanding between the artist and the people. In the best ages of art that has always been the case. Genius can probably run on ahead and seek out new ways. But the good artists who follow after genius – and I count myself among these – have to restore the lost connection once more.
I can always paint very well with my eyes, but with my hands it doesn’t always work out.
Old ideas die hard. We’ve had thousands of years of women having almost no rights. Parts of the world are in a struggle toward very basic human rights for women, and most of the world isn’t even there yet. And it’s going to take a long time to change these attitudes.
I have never been able to carry out any work coolly. On the contrary it is done, so to speak, with my own blood. Anyone who looks at my works must be able to sense that.
Old ideas die hard. We've had thousands of years of women having almost no rights. Parts of the world are in a struggle toward very basic human rights for women, and most of the world isn't even there yet. And it's going to take a long time to change these attitudes.
It is my duty to voice the sufferings of humankind, the never-ending sufferings heaped mountain high. This is my task, but it is not an easy one to fulfill.