Who painted The Dog Catcher?

The Dog Catcher was painted by Ernst Barlach in 1919.

Where can I see The Dog Catcher?

The Dog Catcher is held by National Gallery of Art.

Can I buy a print of The Dog Catcher?

Museum-quality prints of The Dog Catcher are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

The Dog Catcher

Ernst Barlach , 1919

The Dog Catcher is an ink print by Ernst Barlach. It dates from 1919 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

The Dog Catcher is a 1919 lithograph by Ernst Barlach, a German artist known for his work across multiple mediums.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a chaotic scene centered around a man restraining a snarling dog, surrounded by entangled figures and creatures. The imagery conveys a sense of turmoil and unease, reflecting Barlach's anti-war sentiments following his experiences in World War I.

Technique & Style

Barlach employed lithography to create bold black forms against a light background, emphasizing the raw emotion of the scene. The rough, swirling lines contribute to the overall feeling of urgency and disorder.

Context

The Dog Catcher is part of Barlach's broader oeuvre protesting conflict, a theme that would later lead to his work being labeled degenerate art by the Nazi regime.