Accession Number1983/1.265
TitleArbeitsfrau mit dem Ohrring
Artist(s)Käthe KollwitzArtist NationalityGerman (culture, style, period)Object Creation Date1910Medium & Supportetching on paperDimensions 23 1/8 in x 17 11/16 in (58.74 cm x 44.93 cm)
Credit LineGift of the Marvin Felheim CollectionSubject matterKollwitz was well-known as a printmaker and often used the medium in the service of social commentary. Since they are easily reproducible, she understood their value as a way to reach a large number of people. Her subjects were often the working class patients of her doctor husband, Karl Kollwitz. This portrait is likely a nod to the iconic Johannes Vermeer's "Girl with a Pearl Earring" (ca. 1665, Mauritshuis) that was moved to The Hague at the beginning of the century.
Physical DescriptionThis etching is a portrait of a woman; just her face is visible. The background is almost solidly black, and the darkness encrouches on the portrait. The woman looks off the left of the page, and a small earring is visible on her right ear. The print is signed in pencil (l.r.) "Kathe Kollwitz".
Primary Object ClassificationPrintCollection AreaModern and ContemporaryRightsIf you are interested in using an image for a publication, please visit
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Keywords
Expressionism
Figures
Portraits
bust-length
earrings (jewelry)
jewelry
modern and contemporary art
portraits
woman
women (female humans)
working class