Amnon and Tamar, his sister (II Samuel 13:1-15) - Lovis Corinth

A powerful, expressive lithograph by Lovis Corinth depicting the biblical narrative of Amnon and Tamar through raw, gestural mark-making.

This lithograph by Lovis Corinth depicts a scene from the Old Testament, specifically the narrative of Amnon and Tamar found in the Second Book of Samuel. Corinth, a figure associated with the transition from Impressionism to Expressionism in Germany, often turned to biblical and mythological subjects to explore human psychology and raw emotion. His later graphic work is characterised by a rapid, gestural application of medium, which conveys a sense of urgency and psychological tension.

The composition focuses on the two figures, rendered with heavy, expressive marks that obscure fine detail in favour of mood and atmosphere. The contrast between the light-toned figure of Tamar and the darker, more shadowed form of Amnon creates a visual imbalance that mirrors the predatory nature of the biblical encounter. Corinth avoids academic precision, opting instead for a rough, immediate style that prioritises the emotional weight of the subject matter. The lines are thick and energetic, suggesting the artist's hand moving quickly across the stone.

Corinth's approach to this narrative is typical of his later period, where he moved away from the polished surfaces of his earlier training in Munich and Paris. The work reflects his interest in the darker aspects of human behaviour, using the biblical text as a vehicle for personal expression. The lack of background detail keeps the viewer's attention fixed on the interaction between the two figures, heightening the sense of claustrophobia and unease. This print is a representative example of how Corinth utilised traditional stories to engage with the anxieties of the early twentieth century, employing a style that feels both archaic and modern in its directness.