Arbeitsfrau mit dem Ohrring
Käthe Kollwitz
Description
Subject Matter:
Kollwitz was well-known as a printmaker and often used the medium in the service of social commentary. Since they are easily reproducible, she understood their value as a way to reach a large number of people. Her subjects were often the working class patients of her doctor husband, Karl Kollwitz. This portrait is likely a nod to the iconic Johannes Vermeer's "Girl with a Pearl Earring" (ca. 1665, Mauritshuis) that was moved to The Hague at the beginning of the century.
Physical Description:
This etching is a portrait of a woman; just her face is visible. The background is almost solidly black, and the darkness encrouches on the portrait. The woman looks off the left of the page, and a small earring is visible on her right ear. The print is signed in pencil (l.r.) "Kathe Kollwitz".
Usage Rights:
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