{"title":"Ernst Barlach","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"first-victory-then-peace-ernst-barlach","title":"First Victory; Then Peace - Ernst Barlach","description":"\u003cp\u003eA powerful 1914 lithograph by Ernst Barlach, depicting a sombre scene of mourning amidst a field of crosses during the First World War.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eFirst Victory; Then Peace (Erst Sieg, dann Frieden!) is a lithograph by the German Expressionist artist Ernst Barlach. It appeared in the twentieth issue of the periodical Kriegszeit, published on 30 December 1914. This publication served as a vehicle for artists to respond to the early months of the First World War. Barlach, like many of his contemporaries, initially engaged with the conflict through a lens of national duty, though his later works would shift toward a more pacifist perspective.\n\nThe composition depicts a monumental, sombre figure standing amidst a field of crosses, representing a graveyard. This central figure supports a smaller, collapsed form, suggesting a scene of mourning or the heavy toll of combat. Above, a celestial figure with wings plays a trumpet, while a star shines in the distance. The stark contrast between the dark, heavy forms of the figures and the lighter, ethereal presence in the upper register creates a sense of gravity. Barlach employs a rough, gestural line quality that is characteristic of his graphic work, prioritising emotional weight over anatomical precision.\n\nThis print captures the atmosphere of 1914, when the initial enthusiasm for the war began to collide with the reality of mass casualties. The title itself reflects a common sentiment of the period, linking the necessity of military success to the eventual restoration of order. Barlach's work from this time demonstrates his ability to translate complex human suffering into simplified, powerful forms. The lithographic medium allows for a textured, charcoal-like appearance, which adds to the sombreness of the subject matter. As a piece of historical documentation, it provides insight into the visual culture of Germany during the early stages of the conflict, capturing the tension between hope and the grim reality of the battlefield.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-top:2rem;padding-top:1.5rem;border-top:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:0.85rem;color:#888;font-weight:600;margin:0 0 0.75rem;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:0.05em;\"\u003eYou might also like\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:0.5rem;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/poisson-et-algues-papier-peint-pigeon-et-pavots-bordure-de-vitrail-maurice-pillard-verneuil\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003ePoisson et Algues, Papier Peint \/ Pigeon et Pavots, Bordure de Vitrail - Maurice Pillard Verneuil — Maurice Pillard Verneuil\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/tackle-american-football-player-edward-penfield\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eTackle (American Football Player) - Edward Penfield — Edward Penfield\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Ernst Barlach","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58078816174415,"sku":null,"price":28.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58078841831759,"sku":null,"price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58078841864527,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ B2 (50x70 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58078841897295,"sku":null,"price":50.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A1 (59.4 x 84.1  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58078841930063,"sku":null,"price":55.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/First-Victory-Then-Peace_Poster_CompositorV1_1782697568119.jpg?v=1782698052"},{"product_id":"dance-of-death-i-fragment-2-ernst-barlach","title":"Dance of Death I, Fragment 2 - Ernst Barlach","description":"\u003cp\u003eA powerful woodcut by Ernst Barlach, featuring the stark, expressive lines characteristic of German Expressionism.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eErnst Barlach was a central figure in German Expressionism, known for his ability to convey human suffering and existential weight through simplified, monumental forms. This woodcut, part of his 'Dance of Death' series, demonstrates his mastery of the medium. The work employs stark contrasts between black and white, a hallmark of the Expressionist woodcut tradition, to create a sense of urgency and gravity.\n\nThe composition focuses on two figures, rendered with heavy, angular lines that suggest a sense of physical and emotional tension. Barlach avoids unnecessary detail, choosing instead to emphasise the expressive power of posture and gesture. The figure on the left is defined by the vertical, sweeping lines of a garment, while the figure on the right is crouched, with facial features etched in a manner that conveys weariness or resignation. The background is minimal, allowing the interaction between the two forms to dominate the viewer's attention.\n\nBarlach's work often drew from medieval sculpture and folk art, which is evident in the blocky, solid nature of his figures. By stripping away the superfluous, he forces a direct engagement with the subject matter. The 'Dance of Death' theme, a traditional motif in European art, is here reinterpreted through a modern lens, reflecting the anxieties of the early twentieth century. The woodcut technique itself, with its inherent resistance and texture, adds a tactile quality to the print. This piece is a clear example of Barlach's ability to distil complex human experiences into a singular, powerful image, using the limitations of the woodblock to his advantage.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ernst Barlach","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58078836261199,"sku":null,"price":28.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58078876434767,"sku":null,"price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58078876467535,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ B2 (50x70 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58078876500303,"sku":null,"price":50.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A1 (59.4 x 84.1  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58078876533071,"sku":null,"price":55.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/Dance-of-Death-I-Fragment-2_Poster_CompositorV1_1782697928590.jpg?v=1782698781"},{"product_id":"wandering-death-ernst-barlach","title":"Wandering Death - Ernst Barlach","description":"\u003cp\u003eA powerful lithograph by Ernst Barlach depicting a skeletal figure in a heavy cloak, capturing themes of mortality and existential weariness through expressive, bold lines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eErnst Barlach, a sculptor and graphic artist, produced this lithograph as part of his broader exploration of human suffering and existential themes. The work depicts a skeletal figure, draped in a heavy, tattered cloak, leaning upon a staff as it traverses a barren landscape. The figure embodies the traditional memento mori motif, yet Barlach imbues the form with a distinct sense of weariness rather than malice.\n\nThe composition relies on the stark contrast between the dark, gestural ink strokes and the pale paper surface. Barlach uses thick, expressive lines to define the skeletal anatomy and the folds of the garment, creating a sense of movement and weight. The hunched posture of the figure suggests a long, arduous journey, reflecting the artist's interest in the physical manifestations of internal states. The background remains minimal, focusing the viewer's attention entirely on the solitary, trudging form.\n\nBarlach was deeply affected by the trauma of the First World War, and his work from the 1920s often addresses themes of mortality, isolation, and the human condition. This lithograph demonstrates his ability to distil complex emotional concepts into simple, powerful visual forms. The rough, almost primitive quality of the drawing style aligns with the broader aesthetic of German Expressionism, which prioritised emotional intensity over academic precision. By stripping away unnecessary detail, Barlach forces an encounter with the stark reality of the subject. The figure does not appear as a terrifying spectre, but as a fellow traveller, burdened by the same existence as the living. This print remains a representative example of Barlach's graphic output, showing his mastery of lithography as a medium for conveying psychological depth through minimal means.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-top:2rem;padding-top:1.5rem;border-top:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:0.85rem;color:#888;font-weight:600;margin:0 0 0.75rem;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:0.05em;\"\u003eYou might also like\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:0.5rem;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/poisson-et-algues-papier-peint-pigeon-et-pavots-bordure-de-vitrail-maurice-pillard-verneuil\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003ePoisson et Algues, Papier Peint \/ Pigeon et Pavots, Bordure de Vitrail - Maurice Pillard Verneuil — Maurice Pillard Verneuil\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/tackle-american-football-player-edward-penfield\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eTackle (American Football Player) - Edward Penfield — Edward Penfield\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Ernst Barlach","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58078859067727,"sku":null,"price":28.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58078864245071,"sku":null,"price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58078864277839,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ B2 (50x70 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58078864310607,"sku":null,"price":50.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A1 (59.4 x 84.1  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58078864343375,"sku":null,"price":55.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/Wandering-Death_Poster_CompositorV1_1782698448005.jpg?v=1782698574"},{"product_id":"the-dance-of-the-dead-2-three-dancing-skeletons-ernst-barlach","title":"The Dance of the Dead 2: Three Dancing Skeletons - Ernst Barlach","description":"\u003cp\u003eA stark, expressive lithograph by Ernst Barlach depicting three skeletons in a frantic, rhythmic dance, reflecting the artist's preoccupation with mortality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eErnst Barlach, a central figure in German Expressionism, produced this lithograph during the First World War. The work belongs to a series exploring the macabre theme of the Totentanz, or Dance of the Dead. Barlach employs a raw, gestural approach to the medium, using heavy charcoal-like marks to define the skeletal figures. Their movements are angular and frantic, suggesting a state of agitation rather than a graceful dance. The central figure occupies the foreground, positioned near a tombstone, while the other two skeletons flank it in a rhythmic, repetitive arrangement.\n\nBarlach was known for his focus on the human condition, often using distorted forms to convey psychological weight. In this print, the skeletal motifs serve as a direct reflection of the mortality and suffering prevalent during the conflict of the early twentieth century. The lack of background detail keeps the focus entirely on the figures, creating a sense of isolation and existential unease. The composition is stark, relying on the contrast between the dark, energetic lines of the skeletons and the lighter, textured paper surface.\n\nThis print demonstrates Barlach's ability to imbue traditional motifs with a modern, emotive quality. His style avoids the polished finish of academic art, favouring instead a directness that communicates the artist's internal response to his environment. The figures appear to emerge from the darkness, their limbs captured in mid-motion, which adds a sense of immediacy to the scene. As a printmaker, Barlach utilised the lithographic process to maintain the spontaneity of his original sketches, ensuring that the final output retained the vigour of his initial creative impulse. This piece remains a clear example of his graphic work, where form and movement are used to explore themes of life, death, and human vulnerability.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-top:2rem;padding-top:1.5rem;border-top:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:0.85rem;color:#888;font-weight:600;margin:0 0 0.75rem;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:0.05em;\"\u003eYou might also like\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:0.5rem;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/naakte-vrouw-nude-woman-meijer-bleekrode\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eNaakte vrouw (Nude Woman) - Meijer Bleekrode — Meijer Bleekrode\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/taunus-landscape-ernst-ludwig-kirchner\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eTaunus Landscape - Ernst Ludwig Kirchner — Ernst Ludwig Kirchner\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Ernst Barlach","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58078886429007,"sku":null,"price":28.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58078887903567,"sku":null,"price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58078887936335,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ B2 (50x70 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58078887969103,"sku":null,"price":50.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A1 (59.4 x 84.1  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58078888001871,"sku":null,"price":55.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/The-Dance-of-the-Dead-2_-Three-Dancing-Skeletons_Poster_CompositorV1_1782699128099.jpg?v=1782699297"},{"product_id":"portfolio-cover-from-the-transformations-of-god-ernst-barlach","title":"Portfolio cover from The Transformations of God - Ernst Barlach","description":"\u003cp\u003eA minimalist portfolio cover design by German Expressionist Ernst Barlach, dating from 1922.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eThis print represents the cover design for the portfolio titled The Transformations of God (Die Wandlungen Gottes), produced by the German Expressionist artist Ernst Barlach in 1922. Barlach is recognised for his distinct approach to form, which often features heavy, simplified figures and a sense of spiritual weight. This specific work functions as the external presentation for a series of lithographs that explore themes of divinity and human struggle.\n\nThe visual composition is stark and minimalist, reflecting the artist's preference for directness over unnecessary ornamentation. Barlach often utilised the medium of lithography to convey a sense of raw, tactile energy. His work from this period is characterised by a rejection of academic polish in favour of a more emotive, grounded aesthetic. The portfolio itself is a significant example of the artist's engagement with religious and philosophical subject matter during the interwar period in Germany.\n\nAs a museum-grade fine art print, this piece offers a glimpse into the graphic output of an artist better known for his sculpture. The design demonstrates his ability to command space through minimal elements, relying on the balance of typography and negative space. It is a piece that appeals to those interested in the history of German Expressionism and the development of modern printmaking. The print captures the austere quality of the original portfolio cover, maintaining the integrity of the artist's vision. It serves as a historical document of Barlach's creative process, showing how he approached the packaging of his own narrative cycles. The work is devoid of extraneous detail, allowing the viewer to focus on the structural clarity that defines Barlach's broader body of work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-top:2rem;padding-top:1.5rem;border-top:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:0.85rem;color:#888;font-weight:600;margin:0 0 0.75rem;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:0.05em;\"\u003eYou might also like\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:0.5rem;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/naakte-vrouw-nude-woman-meijer-bleekrode\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eNaakte vrouw (Nude Woman) - Meijer Bleekrode — Meijer Bleekrode\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/blumen-auf-weiss-zyklamen-und-hyazinthe-gabriele-munter\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eBlumen auf Weiß (Zyklamen und Hyazinthe) - Gabriele Münter — Gabriele Münter\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Ernst Barlach","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58078891409743,"sku":null,"price":28.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58078891737423,"sku":null,"price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58078891770191,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ B2 (50x70 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58078891802959,"sku":null,"price":50.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A1 (59.4 x 84.1  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58078891835727,"sku":null,"price":55.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/Portfolio-cover-from-The-Transformations-of-God_Poster_CompositorV1_1782698287426.jpg?v=1782700394"},{"product_id":"the-sorcerers-apprentice-2-the-flood-ernst-barlach","title":"The Sorcerer's Apprentice 2: The Flood - Ernst Barlach","description":"\u003cp\u003eA powerful expressionist lithograph by Ernst Barlach, capturing the chaotic moment of the flood from the tale of the sorcerer's apprentice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eThis lithograph by Ernst Barlach depicts a scene from the classic tale of the sorcerer's apprentice. Barlach, a German sculptor and printmaker, uses heavy, gestural charcoal-like marks to convey the chaotic energy of the rising water. The composition focuses on the apprentice, who appears overwhelmed by the torrents unleashed by his own premature attempt at magic. A monstrous, personified wave dominates the left side of the frame, while the apprentice struggles in the foreground. In the background, a small, arched doorway suggests the source of the disaster, providing a sense of scale and spatial depth to the scene.\n\nBarlach is known for his ability to imbue figures with raw, physical emotion. His work often avoids fine detail in favour of bold, expressive forms that communicate internal states through external movement. In this print, the fluid, sweeping lines of the water contrast with the strained posture of the human figure. The monochromatic palette emphasises the starkness of the narrative, focusing the viewer on the tension between the human actor and the uncontrollable natural forces he has summoned. This piece belongs to a series of lithographs where Barlach explored themes of human folly and the consequences of overreaching ambition. The print demonstrates his mastery of the lithographic medium, using the texture of the stone to create deep, velvety blacks and soft, grey transitions that mimic the spontaneity of a sketch.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-top:2rem;padding-top:1.5rem;border-top:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:0.85rem;color:#888;font-weight:600;margin:0 0 0.75rem;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:0.05em;\"\u003eYou might also like\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:0.5rem;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/naakte-vrouw-nude-woman-meijer-bleekrode\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eNaakte vrouw (Nude Woman) - Meijer Bleekrode — Meijer Bleekrode\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/magic-mirror-max-beckmann\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eMagic Mirror - Max Beckmann — Max Beckmann\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Ernst Barlach","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ Small Square (30x30 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58078908154191,"sku":null,"price":37.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ Medium Square (40x40 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58078908875087,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ Large Square (50x50 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58078908907855,"sku":null,"price":55.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/The-Sorcerer-s-Apprentice-2_-The-Flood_Poster_CompositorV1_1782700569950.jpg?v=1782701053"}],"url":"https:\/\/www.solisprints.com\/collections\/ernst-barlach.oembed","provider":"Solis Prints","version":"1.0","type":"link"}