Artwork
Old Man
Old Man is a graphite print by Christian Rohlfs. It dates from 1918 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1918, *Old Man* is a woodcut print executed in brown ink with graphite accents. The German artist Christian Rohlfs, a prominent figure in early twentieth‑century expressionism, produced the work as part of his extensive printmaking output. The image presents a stark, monochromatic portrait that emphasizes texture and line over color.
Subject & Meaning
The composition centers on an aged male figure, his features rendered with stark, angular strokes that convey both physical wear and psychological depth. The exaggerated contours and deep shadows suggest a contemplation of mortality and the passage of time, themes frequently explored by expressionist artists seeking to reveal inner states through external forms.
Technique & Style
Rohlfs employed the traditional woodcut process, carving the design into a wooden block and printing it with brown ink, while adding graphite to highlight lighter areas. The method leaves visible tool marks, smudges, and uneven edges, giving the surface a tactile, almost sculptural quality. The bold, gestural lines and high contrast are hallmarks of expressionist visual language.
History & Provenance
The print emerged during the final year of World War I, a period of intense artistic experimentation in Germany. Though specific ownership records are limited, *Old Man* has been documented in several catalogues of Rohlfs’s work and appears in collections focusing on early twentieth‑century German prints, reflecting its continued relevance to scholars of the era.
Artist & collection
Artist
Christian Rohlfs (November 22, 1849 - January 8, 1938) was a German painter and printmaker, one of the important representatives of German expressionism.
