This richly illustrated book is published in connection with a large retrospective exhibition at SMK – National Gallery of Denmark and offers insights into Kollwitz’s uncompromisingvisual language, both in her interpretations of history, her descriptions of deep existential experiences, and her critique of social and political realities. Through a number of essays, the book introduces Kollwitz’s life and work. It opens new historical and contemporary perspectives on her experimental graphic works and their ground-breaking statements about women, class-based society, and war traumas, while also delving into an artistic world where light and darkness, sorrow and hope exist side by side.