Ein Weberaufstand - Beratung 1897 - 1898

Kathe Kollwitz created this print, titled "Ein Weberaufstand - Beratung," using etching and aquatint. The scene depicts a clandestine meeting, likely in Germany, where working-class men are plotting an uprising. Kollwitz made this print within a series called "The Weavers' Revolt." The series was inspired by Gerhart Hauptmann's play "The Weavers", which itself depicted the historical Silesian weavers' uprising of 1844, a desperate act of rebellion against inhumane working conditions and poverty brought about by the industrial revolution. Look closely, and you can see how the artist uses dramatic lighting and shadow to create a sense of tension and secrecy. In her work, Kollwitz often expressed empathy for the struggles of the working class. In this print, she uses stark realism to convey their desperation and determination, speaking to a broader social critique within German art and culture at the time. To fully appreciate Kollwitz's work, researching the historical context of the Silesian weavers' uprising and Hauptmann's play is important. Understanding these social and cultural touchstones allows us to delve deeper into the meaning of her art.