Käthe Kollwitz: Sculpture 'Farewell' (1940/41), bronze

Käthe Kollwitz (1867-1945) was often perceived as a primarily socially, even politically motivated artist, as she repeatedly raised her voice for the poor and oppressed in her work. Kollwitz insisted on humanity even in inhumane times, and this alone could, indeed had to be understood as a political position. However, her significance to the present day lies in the fact that she never worked boldly, but at the same time lent the figures she created an intimacy that virtually precludes them from being read as one-dimensional 'symbols' or 'examples'. This can also be seen in a central work from her late oeuvre, 'Abschied' (Farewell) from 1940/41, in which the artist deals with the pain of the death of Karl Kollwitz, her partner for over half a century, who died in 1940. The motif of the embrace is often found in Kollwitz' work, here she moulds it into an image of the greatest closeness and intimacy at the moment of loss. It is a work of small gestures: while she still clings to him, he detaches himself from her - it is a leaving, but also a letting go, perhaps also the moment of acceptance of the inevitable. Sculpture in fine bronze, patinated. Cast by hand using the lost wax technique. Moulded directly from the original and enlarged. Limited edition of 980 pieces, individually numbered and bearing the signature and foundry mark taken from the museum original. With numbered certificate of authenticity and limitation certificate. Size 21 x 13.5 x 11.5 cm (h/w/d). Weight approx. 3.5 kg. ars mundi exclusive edition.