Luo Lizhong's Raining.

It depicts a woman, eyes closed, holding up a child as if in offering to the gods.

It was part of an emotionally charged print series entitled War, which she produced after her youngest son was killed on a battlefield in 1914.

Human suffering, the tragedy of war, poverty, and rebellion by the desperate — these are the main themes of Kollwitz's work, which includes paintings, sculptures and prints.

According to curator Kim Sukmo, Kollwitz was an important influence on contemporary Chinese art. A section of the exhibition features a dialogue between Kollwitz and Chinese artists who studied in art academies in the 1970s. "They had great admiration for Kollwitz and the technique ignited the passion of these Chinese artists," says Kim.

The exhibition is one of a series of shows featuring Expressionism at the museum.

In the neighboring showroom is an exhibition of Italian Expressive Arts in the second half of the 20th century. In the opposite hall is the debut exhibition of Ecuadorian master artist Oswaldo Guayasamin.

Three of the shows feature Chinese artists' works, including leading members of China's contemporary art scene, and pioneering artists exploring Expressionism in ink painting and other media.

German Expressionism since the 1960s is on show at Hall 17. Visitors must buy a separate ticket for the Kollwitz exhibition, which costs 20 yuan ($3.25).