Self-Portrait

Today we continue our special month with the Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden's collection with a self-portrait of an amazing artist. Enjoy!

Käthe Kollwitz painted this self-portrait either during or shortly after completing her studies at the Munich School for Women Artists. The head, drawn in three-quarter view with the pen, is captured realistically and precisely; hair, collar, and surrounding space are only hinted at with confidently placed broad brushstrokes. The young artist's gaze is both skeptical and self-confident.

Born in the Prussian city of Königsberg (now Kaliningrad, Russia) in 1867, Käthe Kollwitz established herself in an art world dominated by men by developing an aesthetic vision centered on women and the working class. Her representations of women, including her frequent self-portraits, effectively communicated her subjects’ predicaments during a period when women were still negotiating ways to represent themselves in the arts. 

P.S. Our -25% presale on DailyArt 2024 calendars is still on, but don't miss it! It won't be active forever!  If you love art history and would like to spend the next year with beautiful art on your desk or wall, please check our calendars!  :)

P.P.S. Today Käthe Kollwitz is considered one of Germany’s greatest artists! Explore her art and life.