Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an ink print by Käthe Kollwitz. It dates from 1924 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1924, this untitled woodcut by German artist Käthe Kollwitz presents a stark portrait of a man poised on a stool, his arms lifted as if preparing to hang himself. The composition is dominated by dense, dark tones and heavy shading, conveying a powerful sense of despair. The work is part of the collection at the Museum of Modern Art in New York.
Subject & Meaning
The figure’s contorted expression and twisted posture suggest an intense emotional crisis, evoking themes of anguish and hopelessness. By depicting a moment of potential self‑destruction, Kollwitz confronts the viewer with the psychological weight of suffering, reflecting her broader concern with human vulnerability and social tragedy.
Technique & Style
Executed as a woodcut, the image relies on bold, expressive lines cut into the wood matrix, producing stark contrasts between black and white. The heavy carving creates a textured surface that intensifies the somber atmosphere, while the limited palette of dark hues underscores the work’s emotional gravity.
History & Provenance
Käthe Kollwitz produced this piece during the later phase of her career, a period marked by increasingly stark representations of human distress. The print entered the Museum of Modern Art’s holdings in the mid‑20th century, where it has been displayed as part of the institution’s modern graphic arts collection.
Artist & collection
Artist
Käthe Kollwitz (German pronunciation: born Schmidt; 8 July 1867 – 22 April 1945) was a German artist who worked with painting, printmaking (including etching, lithography and woodcuts) and sculpture.
