Collections Database

Description:
head and shoulders of emaciated person with closed eyes swaying as hands are extended from either side to assist; Political: famine: propaganda;

Label Text:
After the Russian Revolution in 1918, the Bolsheviks inaugurated a series of disastrous economic decrees and policies. These resulted in a horrific famine, depopulation of the cities, and an enormous decline in living standards. The fact that the newly communist state was at odds with its capitalist neighbors exacerbated these harsh economic conditions. As in many of her printed works, Kollwitz's "Help Russia" uses pathos to make her point, making the issue a deeply personal plea. A suffering figure, representing Russia, is surrounded by outstretched hands offering assistance, thus encouraging the viewer to do the same.

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https://museums.fivecolleges.edu/detail.php?t=objects&type=ext&id_number=SC+1936.8.1

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