A powerful 1914 lithograph by Ernst Barlach, depicting a sombre scene of mourning amidst a field of crosses during the First World War.

First 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. The 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. This 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.