Kathe Kollwitz: The Art of Compassion
by: Kathe Kollwitz/Brenda D. Rix

Softcover. Art Gallery of Ontario, 1st, 2003, Book: Very Good, Dust Jacket: None, Softcover, 72 pages, exhibition catalog. Essay by Jay Clarke. Kathe Kollwitz (1867-1945) was a leading 20th century German artist. Kollwitz's art was rooted in socialism and naturalism, and focused on the lives of the common people, usually working class women. Through her involvement in the sufferings of the poor in the slums of Berlin, her exposure to the horrors of two world wars, and the experience of living through several personal tragedies, she came to see herself as the "voice of suffering" and "an advocate" for the people. Among her preferred themes were motherhood, sacrifice, separation, oppression and death. She also created many moving self-portraits. Includes 45 reproductions (15 colour, and 30 b&w). Contents of the catalogue include: a brief history of the Stuttgart Kollwitz collection by the former curator Dr. Gunther Thiem.