The March of the Weavers in Berlin 1897

Käthe Kollwitz created this etching, “The March of the Weavers in Berlin”, using stark black lines against a white background to convey both the grimness of the scene and the quiet determination of the marchers. The composition is dominated by the forward movement of the crowd. Kollwitz uses dense, cross-hatched lines to define the figures, creating a sense of texture and weight. The horizon line, set high, flattens the perspective, emphasizing the relentless advance of the workers. Notice how the artist repeats forms—the downturned heads, the tools carried as weapons, and the rhythmic step of the marchers—to highlight the collective action. This piece challenges conventional ideas of heroism. Kollwitz avoids idealizing the weavers, instead portraying them with a raw, unflinching realism. It reflects a broader cultural discourse around labor, class struggle, and the artist’s role in representing social issues. The relentless march, rendered with such starkness, serves as a reminder of the power and urgency of collective action.