Artwork

"Vater, es wird nicht gut ablaufen, bleiben wir von dem soldatenhaufen" ("Father, This Won't Turn Out Well, We should stay away from the gang of soldiers")

"Vater, es wird nicht gut ablaufen, bleiben wir von dem soldatenhaufen" ("Father, This Won't Turn Out Well, We should stay away from the gang of soldiers"), by Lovis Corinth, ink, 1923
"Vater, es wird nicht gut ablaufen, bleiben wir von dem soldatenhaufen" ("Father, This Won't Turn Out Well, We should stay away from the gang of soldiers"), by Lovis Corinth, ink, 1923

"Vater, es wird nicht gut ablaufen, bleiben wir von dem soldatenhaufen" ("Father, This Won't Turn Out Well, We should stay away from the gang of soldiers") is an ink print by Lovis Corinth. It dates from 1923 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Vater, es wird nicht gut ablaufen, bleiben wir von dem soldatenhaufen is a 1923 etching by German artist Lovis Corinth, executed in black on laid paper. Characterized by jagged, expressive lines, the work captures a chaotic scene of concern related to a group of soldiers.

Subject & Meaning

The etching depicts a tumultuous scene where a figure expresses apprehension about approaching a crowd of soldiers, conveyed through urgent, chaotic visual elements. The subject matter reflects concern or warning in the face of militarized groups.

Technique & Style

Corinth employed etching techniques, utilizing carved grooves to achieve deep shadows. The piece features a predominantly black palette with varying line weights, from thick and dark to faint, suggesting rapid or emotionally charged execution. This style aligns with Corinth's post-1911 shift towards a looser, more expressive approach, blending elements of impressionism and expressionism.

History & Provenance

Created in 1923, the etching is part of Corinth's later work, following his leadership of the Berlin Secession and a stylistic evolution post-stroke in 1911. Specific provenance details are not provided.

Context

The work's themes of militarism and caution may reflect the tumultuous period in Germany during the early 1920s, marked by political instability and the aftermath of World War I. Corinth's style, meanwhile, situates the piece within the broader European modernist movement.

Legacy

As part of Corinth's graphic oeuvre, the etching contributes to his reputation for synthesizing impressionist and expressionist techniques in printmaking, though its specific impact or notable exhibitions are not detailed here.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Lovis Corinth

Artist

Lovis Corinth

Lovis Corinth was a German artist and writer whose mature work as a painter and printmaker realized a synthesis of impressionism and expressionism.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.