Margarethe 1981

Anselm Kiefer's 1981 painting "Margarethe" is a mixed media piece that explores themes of memory, history, and the human condition. Kiefer often incorporates materials like straw, ash, and lead into his work, reflecting his deep engagement with German history and the Holocaust. "Margarethe" features tall, slender forms made of straw, resembling a forest or a field of wheat, which evokes a sense of both beauty and fragility. The title alludes to Kiefer's wife, Margarethe, suggesting a connection between personal memory and the larger historical context. The painting is currently on display at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.