Final answer:
The use of lead, broken glass, and copper wire in Anselm Kiefer's painting 'Breaking the Vessels' symbolize the weight of human history, the events of Kristallnacht, and the atrocities committed against Jews by Nazis.
Step-by-step explanation:
The use of lead, broken glass, and copper wire in Anselm Kiefer's painting 'Breaking the Vessels' holds significant symbolism. Lead represents a crushing, brutal force and is often used by Kiefer to convey the weight of human history. The broken glass refers to Kristallnacht, a dark event during World War II where Nazis destroyed Jewish-owned businesses and synagogues. The copper wire, along with the lead and glass, helps create a visual composition that embodies Kiefer's exploration of the atrocities committed against the Jews by the Nazis.