Original crayon lithograph composition with monogram. First of the “Three Leaflets against Profiteering.” An impression from the third state of three, according to Knesebeck. With the additional remark: "Landespolizeiamt/beim Staatskommissar für Valksernährung" (Regional Police Authority at the State Comissioner for Nutrition). Distributed in the thousands in Prussia, as leaflet or poster. Printed on thin, brown, machine-made paper with the approximate sheet dimensions 410 x 310 mm. The proofs appear faint, are often with creases, all nuances are missing. Unsigned, but frequently with accommodatory signatures. The lithographic stone was destroyed.

Image 15” x 11 1/2”, sheet: 16 1/8” x 12 1/8”
Catalogue reference: Klipstein 148, Knesebeck 155 III/III

Kollwitz lived in a time of drastic social and political change that challenged her to clearly define her own beliefs. She often questioned the meaning of art and its role in society. However, the death of her son in World War I had a dramatic effect on her opinion of the purpose of her work. “One can say it a thousand times, that pure art does not include within itself a purpose. As long as I can work, I want to have an effect with my art.” ( Prelinger, p.66 )