Who painted The Writing Prophet (Saint John on Patmos)?

The Writing Prophet (Saint John on Patmos) was painted by Ernst Barlach in 1919.

Where can I see The Writing Prophet (Saint John on Patmos)?

The Writing Prophet (Saint John on Patmos) is held by National Gallery of Art.

Can I buy a print of The Writing Prophet (Saint John on Patmos)?

Museum-quality prints of The Writing Prophet (Saint John on Patmos) are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

The Writing Prophet (Saint John on Patmos)

Ernst Barlach , 1919

The Writing Prophet (Saint John on Patmos) 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 Writing Prophet (Saint John on Patmos) is a 1919 woodcut by German artist Ernst Barlach, blending Realism and Expressionism to convey a powerful religious scene.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts Saint John on Patmos, a robed figure amidst turmoil, with a blurred face and expressive gesture, possibly conveying prophetic urgency or emotional intensity.

Technique & Style

Barlach employed sharp light-dark contrasts and expressive, swirling lines in the woodcut, characteristic of his evolving Expressionist style post-World War I.

History & Provenance

Created in 1919, the work reflects Barlach's shift towards socially engaged art following the war, though specific provenance details are not provided.

Context

Emerging from Barlach's post-WWI artistic evolution, the piece situates itself within early 20th-century German Expressionism, combining religious themes with modern stylistic experimentation.

Legacy

As part of Barlach's oeuvre, The Writing Prophet contributes to the broader legacy of German Expressionist printmaking, though its individual impact is not specifically delineated.