Realism and Expressionism in Art

Paper Summary:

This paper examines, compares and contrasts realism and expressionism in the works of Kathe Kollwitz and Paula Modersohn-Becker. It focuses on Modersohn-Becker's "Self-Portrait with Amber Necklace" and "Self Portrait on Her Sixth Wedding Anniversary" and Kathe Kollwitz's "Praying Girl" and "Small Self-Portrait". The paper shows how both artists comparably use a feminine self-expression, but they use differing variations of drawing and painting in their stylistic methods of art.

From the Paper:

"The latest of the works that will be analyzed in this study will be the etched lithograph "Small Self Portrait" (1920) by Kathe Kollwitz. The grim countenance of the artist in this drawing reflects her old age, as well as a tired expression defining her life-long artistic commitment and loyalty to the working classes. This feminine image is not grandiose or tainted as are normative standards of beauty that were common in this period, and reveal the reality of an old woman who has seen a great many difficulties in life. In her life, she often sought out women models that reflected her "interest and sympathy for the hardships of the humble working women" (Prelinger 105). The hard lines of her face are depicted in the drawing, which connotes the hardship that she often wished to see in the working people in her community. In many cases, the dark lines and shadowing reflect the realist manner of clarity and proportion, which depict the essence of a clear-sighted view of the artist's presence. Often, this "reality" of her line and composition often dictated her desire to depict people as they appeared, not as an artist's own selfish distortion or beautification of life."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Kearns, Martha. Kathe Kollwitz: Woman and Artist. New York: Feminist Press at CUNY, 1976.
• Kallir, Jane. Paula Modersohn Becker: Germany's Pioneer Modernist. London: Johannes Press, 1983.
• Kollwitz, Kathe. "Praying Girl." 2006. Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco. 17 November, 2006. <http://search.famsf.org:8080/view.shtml?keywords=%6B%6F%6C%6C%77%69%74%7A&artist=&country=&period=&sort=&start=31&position=40&record=54251>
• ---. "Small Self Portrait." 2006. Fine Arts Museum of San Francisco. 17 November, 2006. <http://search.famsf.org:8080/view.shtml?keywords=%6B%6F%6C%6C%77%69%74%7A&artist=&country=&period=&sort=&start=41&position=50&record=54213>
• Modersohn-Becker, Paula. "Self Portrait on Her Sixth Wedding Anniversary." 2006. National Gallery. 17 November, 2006. <http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/exhibitions/rebels_martyrs/feature/feature6_1_lrg.htm>

More papers on Realism and Expressionism in Art:

• Analytical Essay # 130648 : "Realism and Expressionism in Feminine Art Works"
• Essay # 42886 : "Realism and Comedy in Drama"
• Analytical Essay # 49282 : "Realism and Idealism in "Editha"

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