Artwork
Austreibung aus dem Paradies (The Expulsion from Paradise)
Austreibung aus dem Paradies (The Expulsion from Paradise) is an ink print by Lovis Corinth. It dates from 1919 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Lovis Corinth’s 1919 woodcut, *Austreibung aus dem Paradies*, presents a stark black‑ink rendition of the biblical expulsion from Eden. The composition centers on two figures caught in motion, their forms outlined with vigorous, gestural lines that convey tension and upheaval. The print’s monochrome palette heightens the dramatic contrast between the fleeing bodies and the turbulent surroundings.
Subject & Meaning
The image interprets the Genesis narrative of humanity’s banishment, focusing on the physical and emotional strain of departure.
The image interprets the Genesis narrative of humanity’s banishment, focusing on the physical and emotional strain of departure. One figure, draped in a flowing garment with hair streaming, reaches outward, while the companion appears to be thrust backward, suggesting both resistance and surrender. The chaotic backdrop of intersecting lines reinforces a sense of loss and disorder inherent in the mythic moment.
Technique & Style
Executed as a woodcut, the work relies on carved wood blocks to produce bold, textured strokes. Corinth’s handling of the medium yields stark, expressive contours and a dynamic interplay of light and shadow. The piece reflects his later synthesis of impressionist sensitivity and expressionist vigor, employing stark contrasts and vigorous line work to evoke emotional intensity.
History & Provenance
Created shortly after Corinth’s 1911 stroke, the print marks a period when the artist embraced more forceful, expressive approaches. While originally produced in Germany, the work has circulated through various print collections, illustrating Corinth’s shift from naturalistic painting to a more graphic, emotionally charged visual language in the post‑World War I era.
Artist & collection
Artist
Lovis Corinth was a German artist and writer whose mature work as a painter and printmaker realized a synthesis of impressionism and expressionism.
