Never Again WarKäthe Kollwitz · 1924

Identification of Never Again War by Käthe Kollwitz

The artwork titled Never Again War (Nie Wieder Krieg) was created by the artist Käthe Kollwitz in 1924. This specific piece was commissioned by the Socialist Workers' Youth in Leipzig. It was produced for the Central German Youth Day, which took place in Leipzig from 1 to 4 August 1924.

The work is associated with the 'Never Again War Movement.' This connection links the piece to the broader social and political context of the era in which it was produced. The creation of the work was tied to the specific events of the 1924 youth gathering in Leipzig.

Composition and Visual Elements of the Work

The composition centers on a young man positioned against a backdrop of text. He is depicted in a state of physical tension, facing a biting wind that causes his hair to blow. His mouth is wide open in a cry, and his left hand is placed firmly against his heart. His right arm is stretched upward in a passionate gesture to take an oath, an action that extends the limb to fill the entire vertical height of the image. This outstretched arm partially overlaps the word "War," which has been vigorously underlined twice by the artist.

The figure's facial expression conveys extreme tension. The verticality of the raised arm creates a strong directional line that dominates the visual field. The interaction between the human form and the written text is central to the arrangement, specifically where the limb intersects with the underlined lettering. The physical stance of the subject, with one hand on the chest and the other reaching upward, establishes a diagonal and vertical framework within the frame.

Technique and Physical Materials Used

This work is a lithograph executed on wove paper. The application of the medium involves both chalk and brush, specifically utilizing a lithograph transfer method. The texture of the paper and the specific application of the chalk and brush allow for the varied tonal ranges present in the print.

The physical dimensions of the sheet measure 94.4 x 71.4 cm (37 3/16 x 28 1/8 in.). The technical execution relies on the interaction between the lithographic crayon and the brushwork to establish the graphic elements of the composition. The material composition of the print is documented as a crayon and brush lithograph transfer.

Provenance and Collection History

The history of this lithograph includes its presence in the collection of Dr. Richard A. Simms in Harbor City, CA. From that collection, the work was transferred to the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. This transfer occurred in 1992 as a gift. The piece is identified by the accession number 1992.2.1.

The work is currently held as part of the Rosenwald collection. This specific lithograph on wove paper remains a documented component of the holdings at the National Gallery of Art.

Documented Interpretations and Artistic Impact

The poster has become a recognized symbol for the global peace movement. It is regarded as perhaps the most famous German anti-war poster to the present day. The visual impact of the work is tied to its subjective and emotional appearance, which facilitates a direct connection with the viewer. This quality allowed the image to be utilized repeatedly during the peace movements of the 1970s and 1980s.

The work was originally commissioned by the Socialist Workers' Youth in Leipzig for the Central German Youth Day held from August 1 to August 4, 1924. It is associated with the "Never Again War Movement" and remains a significant piece of visual communication regarding the prevention of conflict. The figure of the youth, with an arm stretched upward and a hand placed over the heart, functions as a central element in this message.