Collection Spotlight | Käthe Kollwitz: The Hammer That Shapes Reality
Collection Spotlight: Käthe Kollwitz: The Hammer That Shapes Reality
Featured Artist: Käthe Kollwitz (German, 1867–1945)
Time Period: Late 19th to early 20th century
Medium: Printmaking: Etching, aquatint, drypoint, lithography
Overview
Käthe Kollwitz used her work as a powerful form of protest and remembrance. Her prints convey grief, resilience, and the suffering of ordinary people in times of war and injustice. Kollwitz presents an unflinching examination of the human cost of conflict and a poignant call for peace. Kollwitz’s deeply personal connection to themes of motherhood, loss, and protest remains resonant today.
Featured Works from the Martin Museum’s Collection
- Plates from Peasants’ War series (1899–1908)
- Plates from A Weavers’ Rebellion series (1897–1898)
- Self-Portrait, 1920
- Tod und Frao (Death and Woman), 1910
- Losbruch (Outbreak), 1902
Target Audiences
- Social studies and history classes on war, social movements, and women’s history
- Art and art history courses focused on printmaking, expressionism, and political art
- Literature classes exploring themes of loss, protest, and resilience
- German courses exploring German history and language
Key Themes
- Art as protest and witness
- The emotional impact of war on families and women
- Printmaking as a tool for social change
- The power of visual storytelling in times of crisis
Booking Details
- Duration: 45–60 minutes
- Audience: Available for middle and high school, university-level, and special interest groups
- Includes: Guided discussion and close viewing of selected works
- How to Book: Select this Collection Spotlight when submitting your group tour request
Spotlight Brief Educator Packet: Pre-Visit Background Reading Educator Packet: Pre-Visit Materials Educator Packet: Post-Visit Materials Student Quiz Collection Images