Artwork
Bildnis Joseph Schwarz (Portrait of Joseph Schwarz)
Bildnis Joseph Schwarz (Portrait of Joseph Schwarz) is an ink print by Lovis Corinth. It dates from 1916 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Created in 1916, this black lithograph presents a seated figure named Joseph Schwarz.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1916, this black lithograph presents a seated figure named Joseph Schwarz. The composition centers on the sitter’s face and clasped hands, conveying a solemn demeanor. Rendered in a single color, the work exemplifies the printmaking practice of early‑20th‑century German artists, reflecting a period of transition in the creator’s artistic development.
Subject & Meaning
Joseph Schwarz is portrayed with dark hair, a light‑toned jacket, and a dark tie, his gaze meeting the viewer directly. The tight clasp of his hands and the stark shadows across his features suggest contemplation and inner resolve, inviting the audience to consider the personal gravity of the individual rather than any overt narrative.
Technique & Style
The lithograph employs bold, gestural lines that define the facial structure, while deep tonal contrasts generate a sense of volume. Executed in black ink, the piece balances precise draftsmanship with a looser, more expressive handling that aligns with the artist’s post‑stroke shift toward heightened emotional intensity and simplified color palettes.
History & Provenance
At the time, Corinth was a leading figure in the Berlin Secession, and the portrait reflects his engagement with the group’s progressive ideals.
German painter and printmaker Lovis Corinth produced the work after his 1911 stroke, a turning point that altered his visual language. At the time, Corinth was a leading figure in the Berlin Secession, and the portrait reflects his engagement with the group’s progressive ideals. The print’s later ownership records trace back to private collections, though specific exhibition histories remain limited.
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.
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