Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an ink print by Ernst Barlach. It dates from 1930 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
You see a rough, shadowy figure kneeling over a low mound of earth, hands pressed together like they’re praying or holding something tight.
You see a rough, shadowy figure kneeling over a low mound of earth, hands pressed together like they’re praying or holding something tight.
Barlach carved this image in 1930, right as the Nazis started calling his work “degenerate.” The same hands that drew this quiet scene were soon banned from showing art in public. The lithograph’s grainy lines make the moment feel urgent, almost like a quick sketch you’d hide in a drawer.
To see how other artists used simple marks to say big things, look up the technique of lithography.
Overview
Untitled is a 1930 lithograph by German artist Ernst Barlach, known for his diverse work in sculpture, printmaking, and writing.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a kneeling figure with clasped hands, bent over a low mound of earth, conveying a sense of reverence or solemn contemplation, reflecting Barlach's anti-war sentiments shaped by his World War I experiences.
Technique & Style
The lithograph's grainy, rough lines evoke a sense of urgency, characteristic of Barlach's style, which was associated with Expressionism and Realism.
History & Provenance
Created in 1930, the print coincided with the Nazi's rising criticism of Barlach's work, labeling it 'degenerate.' The work is part of The Museum of Modern Art's collection.
Context
The lithograph was produced during a period of increasing censorship for Barlach, as the Nazi regime began to restrict his artistic expression.
Artist & collection
Artist
Ernst Heinrich Barlach (2 January 1870 – 24 October 1938) was a German expressionist sculptor, medallist, printmaker and writer.
