Help Russia by Käthe Kollwitz

Art work details

Original Title :

Helft Russland

Year of production :

1921

Artist:

Käthe Kollwitz

Medium :

Lithograph

Materials:

Ink, Paper

Dimensions :

height: 46.4 cm; width: 59.5 cm

Credit Line :

Gift of Michael Brooks

Copyright :

© DACS 2013

Catalogue References:

Wagner 144. Klipstein 154. Knesebeck 170 A III.

Tags:

Lithograph, Kollwitz, Brooks Gift

Throughout the 1920s Kollwitz’s strong social convictions found expression in her commanding graphic works, championing the oppressed and highlighting social injustice. Help for Russia is symbolised in the form of strong hands lifting the hollow eyed starving man. The image was also published as a lithographic poster, overprinted with the title ‘Helft Russland’ across the top, with additional inscription ‘Komite fur Arbeiterhilfe, (Workers’ International Relief), Berlin’.

The WIR, based in Berlin was formed in the 1920s as a support to the Communist International, to help channel relief from working class and communist organisations to famine-stricken Soviet Russia.