"I want to have an effect at this time, in which people are at such a loss and so much in need of help."

Kaethe Kollwitz is the woman artist from 20th-century Germany whose works are best-known internationally. She also enjoys the highest esteem beyond the boundaries of Europe. The inimitable, touching language of her graphic and sculptural works is universally understood and her haunting message is more topical than ever.

Outraged at the societal and social ills of her time, Kollwitz devoted herself throughout her life to the representation of people, giving a voice through her works to the distress and grief of the poor and underprivileged. Equally inspired in both expression and artistic execution, she took up topics like parting and death, peace and the sufferings of war. Her intimate portrayal of mothers and children and her self-portraits are full of strength and beauty. They, too, form part of Kaethe Kollwitz's oeuvre and show how multi-faceted her creative works were.