The Embrace, c 1909/1910

Charcoal drawing, partly blotted, on yellowish laid paper, NT (559a)

Käthe Kollwitz, The Embrace, c 1909/1910, charcoal drawing, partly blotted, on yellowish laid paper, NT (559a), Cologne Kollwitz Collection © Käthe Kollwitz Museum Köln

This sheet shows a couple embracing in deep harmony.

It seems as if the couple were merging into one single figure. Although the face of the figure at the back is hidden – as in other drawings – the face of the woman reflects her affection. This work is an example of the artist’s sensitive, yet keenly observed manner of representing human emotion.