Portrait of the artist: Käthe Kollwitz, British Museum - FREE - ★★★★ - Until January 12, 2020


As a woman and as an artist Käthe Kollwitz (1867-1945) was a powerful figure. She established herself in an art world dominated by men and didn’t shrink from depicting raw emotion and human suffering. This exhibition brings together 48 prints - her work is rarely seen in a such a large display. The cumulative effect is almost overwhelming. Her aesthetic vision was largely based around women and the working class. It was often inseparable from politics and protest. But the personal tragedy of her son Peter’s death in WWI also fed into her work. Though made in 1903, the "Woman With Dead Child" prints seem to predict that loss. Indeed, the mother and child subject frequently reappears, culminating in her "Pietà" of 1939. The war also featured in the arresting "Krieg" series of woodcuts from 1923. Her self-portraits and the late "Call Of Death" are unblinking. Kollwitz was an innovative printmaker who would boldly experiment and combine techniques. Drawings and sculpture were also produced, always conveying intense emotional power. Her work portrays an underclass, usually urban, but it also shows the rural poverty in the "Peasants' War" series. It constantly reminds us that all societies have a darker side and that compassion for others is essential.

Reviewed by A.L.

 Our Score:  ☆☆☆☆ 

WHEN, WHERE, GETTING THERE:
Until January 12, 2020
Sun - Thu: 10 am - 4 pm, Fri: 10 am - 7 pm
Room 90, British Museum
Nearest tube: Russell Square
https://www.britishmuseum.org/whats_on/exhibitions/portrait_of_the_artist.aspx

Most Popular

Skid/SAABA ★★★★★ Sadler's Wells Theatre | May 11 - 13, 2023

Eurovision (Your Decision) ★★★★ Wonderville | Apr 29 - May 13, 2023

The Secret Life of Bees ★★★★ Almeida Theatre | Apr 8 - May 27, 2023

The Circle ★★★★★ Orange Tree Theatre | Apr 29 - Jun 17, 2023

Glory Ride ★★★ Charing Cross Theatre | Until July 29, 2023

TONY! [The Tony Blair Rock Opera] ★★★★ Leicester Square Theatre | Apr 15 - May 21, 2023

Nul Points! ★★★ Union Theatre | Apr 26 - May 20, 2023

Aspects of Love ★★★ Lyric Theatre | May 12 - Nov 11, 2023

Brokeback Mountain ★★★★★ @sohoplace | May 10 - Aug 12, 2023

Rose ★★★★ Ambassadors Theatre | May 23 - Jun 18, 2023

The City Life Magazine | Reviews & Ratings