Artwork

"Wohl auf, kameraden, aufs pferd, aufs pferd! Ins feld, in die freiheit gezogen!" ("Come On, Comrades, to Horse, to Horse! To Battle, Bound for Liberty!")

"Wohl auf, kameraden, aufs pferd, aufs pferd! Ins feld, in die freiheit gezogen!" ("Come On, Comrades, to Horse, to Horse! To Battle, Bound for Liberty!"), by Lovis Corinth, ink, 1923
"Wohl auf, kameraden, aufs pferd, aufs pferd! Ins feld, in die freiheit gezogen!" ("Come On, Comrades, to Horse, to Horse! To Battle, Bound for Liberty!"), by Lovis Corinth, ink, 1923

"Wohl auf, kameraden, aufs pferd, aufs pferd! Ins feld, in die freiheit gezogen!" ("Come On, Comrades, to Horse, to Horse! To Battle, Bound for Liberty!") is an ink print by Lovis Corinth. It dates from 1923 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Wohl auf, kameraden, aufs pferd, aufs pferd!

About this work

Overview

Wohl auf, kameraden, aufs pferd, aufs pferd! Ins feld, in die freiheit gezogen! is a 1923 etching by Lovis Corinth, executed in black ink on laid paper. Characterized by rough, uneven lines and varied tonal depths, the work captures a sense of dynamic turmoil.

Subject & Meaning

The etching depicts a chaotic scene of horse-mounted figures, evoking themes of movement and urgency. Despite the implied narrative of rushing to battle for liberty (as suggested by the title), the visual execution prioritizes expressive energy over clear storytelling.

Technique & Style

Corinth employed an etching technique that allowed for layered ink buildup, resulting in contrasting dark and faint areas. This approach, combined with loose, scribble-like lines, reflects Corinth's post-1911 shift towards Expressionism, marked by increased expressiveness and looseness following a stroke.

History & Provenance

Created in 1923 by Lovis Corinth, a key figure in the Berlin Secession, this etching represents a later work in his oeuvre, post-dating his stylistic transition after a stroke in 1911. Specific provenance details are not provided.

Context

As a history painting in print form, this etching engages with traditional themes of battle and freedom. However, its Expressionist execution sets it apart, aligning more closely with early 20th-century avant-garde movements in Europe.

Legacy

While specific legacy details of this etching are not provided, it contributes to the broader understanding of Corinth's post-stroke Expressionist period and the evolution of printmaking techniques in early 20th-century European art.

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.