Die Gefangenen (The Prisoners)

About the work

Käthe Kollwitz (1867–1945) was a renowned German artist known for her powerful and evocative works in printmaking, drawing, and sculpture. Her art often dealt with themes of suffering, poverty, and social injustice, reflecting her deep empathy and commitment to social causes. Kollwitz was born in Königsberg (now Kaliningrad, Russia) and studied at the Königliche Kunstakademie in Berlin. She gained acclaim for her stark and emotionally charged works, including her series of prints titled The Weavers and The Peasants which depict the harsh realities of life for the working class. Her style is characterised by a strong expressionist influence, and her works are marked by their intense humanism and emotional depth. Kollwitz's art was deeply personal, often inspired by her own experiences and observations of social conditions. Her legacy endures as a powerful voice in the history of 20th-century art. Emil Richter (1858–1914) was a notable German publisher and printer based in Dresden. He was the founder of the Emil Richter Publishing House, which specialised in high-quality art books, including works on fine art, architecture, and other cultural subjects. His publishing house gained a reputation for its beautifully produced volumes and for contributing to the dissemination of art and culture during his time. Richter's work had a significant impact on the art publishing industry, and his publications were valued for their aesthetic quality and scholarly content.