Expressionist Figuration Etching After Kathe Kollwitz Appraisal

Expressionist Figuration Etching after Käthe Kollwitz

This artwork is a framed print, likely an etching or lithograph, depicting expressive figurative forms in a style reminiscent of German Expressionism, specifically sharing stylistic hallmarks with the work of Käthe Kollwitz (likely a plate from her Death or Weavers cycles). The composition features a central figure with a starkly rendered, tilted head and closed eyes, conveying a sense of profound grief, exhaustion, or death. The materials consist of black ink on a cream-toned paper ground, which shows significant foxing and age-related discoloration (browning or tanning) along the margins and within the print area. The construction utilizes a combination of fine-line cross-hatching to create deep shadows and broad, textured tonal areas that suggest an aquatint or wash technique. A notable feature is the loose, calligraphic mark resembling a partial signature or plate number '3' visible on the right side of the main figure's torso. The item is displayed under glass with a nested mat board; however, the mat appears to have some acidic burning or staining at the bevel, which could indicate poor conservation framing from the mid-20th century. The quality of line work demonstrates skilled craftsmanship, utilizing light and shadow to create intense emotive power. Given the paper tone and style, the piece likely dates from the early to mid-20th century.