Kollwitz, Käthe (1905). Whetting the Scythe [etching]. Art (c) 2008 Artists Rights Society, New York/VG Bild-Kunst, Bonn.

An etching with rough textures and stark contrasts where they need to be so. The formal choices Kollwitz makes are completely appropriate to the dark subject matter. |

The subject is a peasant preparing for conflict. Value and texture are used to create a menacing mood with great effect. The full range of values is used, but favors shades. Edges are not defined with lines but strong value edges. Light source and value create space. There are highlights that advance, and shadows that recede. A play of detail versus vagueness helps to establish foreground and background.

Stable asymmetry characterize this work. Dense areas, directional movement and detailed areas are roughly equal in distribution, putting the balancing point near the center of the canvas. There is a strong intuitive balance between high and low-contrast value areas, and where they are positioned. The impact is to bring attention to the figure’s face, and slide down along the diagonal lines of the next detailed area. The picture frame is somewhat crowded, resulting in tension, a feeling that the viewer is too close for comfort to this person preparing for violence. 


Visually, this work is more than effective. Both casual and those who make art their careers will appreciate it, because the formal choices Kollwitz makes are intuitively sound.