Need

Käthe Kollwitz’s painting 'Need' captures the stark reality faced by the working class, reflecting her focus on social issues through a form of Expressionism. While initially rooted in the realism of her early works, her art evolved to express intense emotional experiences, emphasizing themes like poverty, hunger, and human suffering. Kollwitz’s expertise extended to Genre painting, vividly portraying everyday life struggles. Her pioneering recognition as the first woman elected to the Prussian Academy of Arts and honorary professor underscores her significance in the artistic world. 'Need' embodies her commitment to highlighting social injustice through powerful visual storytelling.