Artwork
Macbeth V (The Vision of Lady Macbeth)
Macbeth V (The Vision of Lady Macbeth) is an ink print by Wilhelm Lehmbruck. It dates from 1918 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1918, *Macbeth V (The Vision of Lady Macbeth)* is an intaglio print by German artist Wilhelm Lehmbruck. Executed through a combination of etching and dry‑point, the work translates the sculptor’s interest in expressive form onto paper. It presents a highly charged moment drawn from Shakespeare’s tragedy, concentrating on the inner turmoil of its titular character.
Subject & Meaning
One hand is thrust outward, suggesting a desperate attempt to repel an unseen presence, while the other rests on her chest, emphasizing emotional weight.
The composition centers on Lady Macbeth, depicted in a dark robe and crown, her expression a blend of dread and anguish. One hand is thrust outward, suggesting a desperate attempt to repel an unseen presence, while the other rests on her chest, emphasizing emotional weight. Spectral figures loom behind her, their twisted visages amplifying the sense of psychological distress that defines the play’s climactic vision.
Technique & Style
Lehmbruck employed both etching, which allows for fine line work through acid‑bitten metal plates, and dry‑point, a method that creates burr‑laden lines by directly incising the surface with a needle. The juxtaposition yields stark contrasts: crisp, controlled outlines from the etching coexist with the softer, velvety textures of dry‑point, enhancing the work’s atmospheric tension and emotional intensity.
History & Provenance
The print emerged in the aftermath of World War I, a period when Lehmbruck’s output shifted toward more introspective subjects. While primarily known for his sculpture, this piece demonstrates his exploration of print media during the later stage of his career. It entered public collections through early 20th‑century acquisitions, reflecting the artist’s growing reputation beyond Germany.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Wilhelm Lehmbruck (4 January 1881 – 25 March 1919) was a German sculptor. One of the most important of his generation, he was influenced by realism and expressionism.
