Artwork

Untitled

Untitled, by Ernst Barlach, ink, 1917
Untitled, by Ernst Barlach, ink, 1917

Untitled is an ink print by Ernst Barlach. It dates from 1917 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.

About this work

Overview

This untitled lithograph by Ernst Barlach dates to around 1917. It is a print characterized by its raw and urgent visual style.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a person in rough attire accompanied by a large, shaggy dog, conveying a sense of hardship and struggle. The scene is marked by dark lines and shadows, suggesting a harsh environment.

Technique & Style

Barlach employed a scratchy, textured style in the lithograph, achieved through uneven lines that evoke a sense of immediacy. The technique contributes to the overall feeling of rawness and urgency in the image.

Context

Created during World War I, the print reflects Barlach's evolving perspective on war, influenced by his personal experiences. His work often protested the brutality of conflict, aligning with his broader oeuvre that blends Realist and Expressionist approaches.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Ernst Barlach

Artist

Ernst Barlach

Ernst Heinrich Barlach (2 January 1870 – 24 October 1938) was a German expressionist sculptor, medallist, printmaker and writer.

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