Brotherhood (Verbruderung) by Kathe Kollwitz
This is a lithograph by Kathe Kollwitz, the noted German Expressionist artist. This piece was created in 1924 in an edition of 400. It was titled Verbruderung, which translates to Brotherhood in English. It depicts two men in embrace. As is typical of Kollwitz (and other German Expressionists to be fair), there is a dark side to the image as evidenced by the gaunt expressions. One biographer describes her work as compassionate yet unsettling. Examination of the eyes reveals an intense reciprocal stare that effectively depicts the connection between the two. It is cataloged as number 199 in Klipsteins catalogue raissone. This is an excellent example of her work.
This lithograph is well known although it is frequently signed in the lower right. This one does not appear to be signed, although I have not examined this out of the frame. The size of the image is correct and it is on the proper paper. It is a stone lithograph under magnification, so this appears to be an original unsigned piece from the original print run. I have not found evidence of reproductions of this particular image.
The image is sharp with no fading or damage. There is some plate toning (it is not archivally framed). Overall it is in very good condition.
Kollwitz was born in 1867 and died in 1945 shortly before the end of WWII. There are many Kollwitz biographies available but for me, it is important to note that Kollwitz used her art advocate for victims of social injustice, war, and inhumanity. Given that during her lifetime the world suffered through two world wars, as well as many other conflicts, unfortunately there was no shortage of subject matter for her work. This is a great example of her work.
Price: $525
Framed Size: 16.5 x 12.5 inches
Plate Size: 9 1/4 x 6 7/8 inches
Condition: Very Good
Medium: Lithograph
Subject: Figures & Portraits
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