Memorial for Karl Liebknecht 1919

Kathe Kollwitz's 1919 woodcut, "Memorial for Karl Liebknecht," is a powerful and poignant depiction of grief and mourning. The artwork features a group of individuals gathered around a body, their faces etched with sorrow and despair. The stark black and white composition, characteristic of Kollwitz's style, intensifies the somber mood. This piece reflects the artist's deep social conscience and her commitment to portraying the human condition, particularly in the face of suffering and loss. The title explicitly references the assassination of Karl Liebknecht, a prominent German socialist, on January 15th, 1919, making this artwork a poignant tribute to a fallen leader.