Ernst Barlach

Private Collection, Germany (gifted circa 1960)
Thence by descent to the present owner

Ernst Barlach, Ein selbsterzähltes Leben, 1948, Munich, illustration of another cast pl. 86
Friedrich Schult, Ernst Barlach, Das Plastische Werk, 1960, Hamburg, illustration of another cast p. 246
Carl Dietrich Carls, Ernst Barlach, London, 1969, Berlin, illustrations of another cast pp. 193-194
Ernst Barlach, 1870-1938 (exhibition catalogue), Wiener Künstlerhaus, Vienna, 1984-84, no. 53, illustration of another cast p. 82
Elisabeth Laur, Ernst Barlach, Das plastische Werk, Güstrow, 2006, no. 600, illustrated p. 265
Ernst Barlach, Bildhauer der Moderne (exhibition catalogue), Gesellschaft Hamburg, Hamburg & Istanbul, Güzel, 2006, no. l-473, illustration of another cast p. 171

Very minor dents, marks and scratches. Some traces of paint to the reverse. Otherwise, this work is in very good condition.
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NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The strong linear character of Barlach's work and his focus on craftsmanship is closely affiliated with Jugendstil. Rejecting the Classical style in favour of the Gothic or Northern European tradition, Barlach studied at the Hamburg Arts and Crafts School, the Dresden Academy and the Académie Julian in Paris.
Considered an Expressionist as Käthe Kollowitz, the painter also shared Edvard Munch's interest in mankind's destiny: seeking a form of visual expression for modern alienation. This is achieved through Barlach's strong, solid, yet simplified shapes and lines, subordinating the individuality of his figures. In 1938, during the Nazi regime his art was declared as 'Entartete Kunst' by the National Socialists. (A Century in Sculpture (exhibition catalogue), Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam, Amsterdam, 1992, p. 62).

Another cast of this work is in the collection of the Kestner Museum, Hannover (inv. no. KM228/1949).