Visual analysis of a work of art from the point of view of form and design - Essay Example

Attack”-Weaver’s Revolt The ‘attack’ which was part of Käthe Schmidt Kollwitz’s series of work called Weavers’ revolt is a pretty straight forward work which on a single glance reveals the idea tried to be conveyed by the artist. However it has much researchable meanings and history hidden within it as well. The etching which was inspired by Gerhart Hauptmann’s play depicts the oppression of the Silesian weavers and their failed protest in 1842. The effort of the artist to convey the feelings of the ones who were focused, and the depth of the protest are effectively extended to the viewer.

Thus the title ‘attack’ fits in the place. The feeling carried by the viewer from the title well matches with what the picture tries to say. The person, who picks the stones and passes it on to his fellow protestors, represents the feeling of aggression and unity the weavers had during the protest. Though the contour lines are outlined, it blends into the background in many places adding much to the context. The lines vary in their density representing different features of the picture. When the sharp and uniform lines which formulates the borders of the closed gate in the picture symbolizes the strength against which the weavers fought, on the other side the calligraphic lines with which the weavers are drawn adds life and feelings to the etching.

The support which the roughness of the medium provides to the context of the etching is quite evident. The impacts of the hardship faced by the weavers are well supported by this roughness and it reflects the mindset of the weavers as well. The curvatures of the etching too are quite expressive enough for the viewer to understand the relevance of the work. The darkness which reflects in the etching, leads the viewer towards the life and times of the period which is depicted. The hardships and the poverty of the weavers linger in this darkness.

Kollwitz has ensured to bring that darkness in the faces of the weavers which well represent the dullness they had in their lives. The gradations in the art inspire the viewer to think on the weavers’ aspiration for prosperity and a better life. The composition of the features is quite oppressive as the balance and the symmetry of the work is understood by the viewer at the cost of few moments. The stretched hand and the hand offering a stone to it prove the harmonious relation in between the features and the historic reality which relates to the background of the artistic work.

Thus the diagonals prove to thrust each other. The child in the scenario symbolizes the younger generation being encouraged to participate in the revolt. The difference in the spacing of the characters contributes to the composition of the picture as the weavers are close and dense towards the gate whereas the ones away from the gate are spaced quite wide. This probably depicts the involvement which developed gradually as one went more into the darkness of poverty and hardships. The work varies in depth in different parts.

When at places, the depth and the spacing conveys the prosperous future and a better life, the deeper depth has hid with in it dense feels of agony, oppression, poverty and many others. Even the wide range of depth in different faces conveys the different levels of aggression and urge towards a change. In totality the work successfully conveys a deeper picture of what it indents to extend. As for me the work is a real masterpiece exploring to the fullest all resources in the art of craving.