Births on January 2

Ernst Barlach, German sculptor and playwright (d. 1938)

Ernst Heinrich Barlach (2 January, 1870 in Wedel – 24 October, 1938 in Rostock) stands as a monumental figure in early 20th-century German art, distinguished not only as a profound sculptor but also as a prolific medallist, printmaker, and evocative writer. His multifaceted artistic contributions forged a unique path, often exploring the depths of human suffering and spiritual yearning.

Born in Wedel, Holstein (then part of Prussia), Barlach's formative years laid the groundwork for his distinctive artistic voice. He pursued his artistic education at the Hamburg School of Applied Arts and later at the Dresden Academy, further refining his skills during a pivotal stay in Paris. Early influences included elements of Art Nouveau, but a crucial trip to Russia in 1906 profoundly impacted his perspective, infusing his later work with a raw, earthy, and often melancholic humanism, drawing inspiration from the lives of peasants and beggars.

Initially, like many of his contemporaries swept up in nationalistic fervor, Barlach was a fervent supporter of World War I, viewing it through a lens of patriotic idealism and national duty. However, his direct participation as a soldier on the Western Front radically transformed his outlook. The brutal realities of trench warfare, the senseless loss of life, and the profound psychological toll shattered his initial illusions. This harrowing experience led to a profound disillusionment with militarism, fundamentally reorienting his artistic mission. From this point onward, he became predominantly known for his powerful, poignant sculptures and graphic works that served as stark, unflinching protests against the horrors of war and the dehumanizing effects of conflict. His figures often convey despair, resignation, and quiet fortitude, embodying the universal suffering of humanity rather than glorifying military might. Notable examples of this anti-war sentiment include works like "Der Rächer" (The Avenger, 1914), which paradoxically depicts a figure in a state of frenzied, almost helpless agitation rather than heroic action, and "Der Schwebende" (The Floating One), a powerful memorial to fallen soldiers, suspended in contemplation.

Barlach's staunch anti-war stance and the profound humanism of his art put him on a direct collision course with the rising Nazi Party. The regime, propagating an ideology of racial purity and aggressive nationalism, denounced his deeply empathetic and often somber works as "Entartete Kunst" or "degenerate art." This condemnation was part of a broader, systematic campaign initiated by the Nazis in the 1930s to purge German culture of anything deemed un-German, Jewish, or Bolshevik. Beginning notably in 1937 with the infamous "Degenerate Art" exhibition in Munich, Barlach's works were prominently featured as examples of what the regime considered corrupt and unacceptable. Consequently, over 400 of his artworks were confiscated from public museums and collections across Germany, many of which were subsequently destroyed, sold abroad, or hidden. He was forbidden from exhibiting his work, lost his professorship at the Prussian Academy of Arts, and faced increasing persecution, deeply impacting his final years. Despite this suppression, Barlach steadfastly refused to compromise his artistic integrity or his pacifist convictions.

Stylistically, Barlach’s literary and artistic oeuvre masterfully bridges the distinct movements of early twentieth-century Realism and Expressionism. While his sculptures, particularly those carved in wood, possess a raw, tangible quality rooted in human experience and observable reality—characteristic of Realism—they simultaneously transcend mere depiction. His figures are often simplified, distorted, and imbued with an intense inner spiritual and emotional turmoil, a hallmark of Expressionism. This blend allows his art to communicate profound psychological states and universal human conditions, rather than just external appearances. His work often features cloaked or hooded figures, their faces obscured, emphasizing the universal nature of their suffering and allowing viewers to project their own experiences onto them. His literary output, including plays like "Der tote Tag" (The Dead Day, 1912), similarly explores themes of spiritual struggle, isolation, and the search for meaning, employing a stark, evocative language that mirrors the powerful simplicity of his sculptural forms.

Despite the immense challenges he faced, Ernst Barlach's legacy endures. His powerful anti-war statements, deeply moving sculptures, and profound literary works continue to resonate, serving as a timeless reminder of the human cost of conflict and the indomitable spirit of artistic integrity in the face of oppression. Today, his works are celebrated in major museums worldwide, particularly in Germany, where they stand as poignant testimonies to a turbulent era and a testament to his enduring artistic genius.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ernst Barlach

Who was Ernst Barlach?

Ernst Barlach was a prominent German artist (1870-1938) recognized as an expressionist sculptor, medallist, printmaker, and writer. He is most famous for his powerfully expressive anti-war sculptures and graphic works, which often depicted the suffering and resilience of the human spirit.

What made Ernst Barlach change his views on war?

Initially a supporter of World War I, Barlach's direct experience as a soldier on the front lines profoundly disillusioned him. Witnessing the brutality and human cost of the conflict transformed his perspective, leading him to dedicate his art to protesting against war.

Why were Ernst Barlach’s works confiscated by the Nazis?

The Nazi Party classified Barlach's art as "degenerate art" (Entartete Kunst) because its deeply humanistic and often somber themes, along with its expressionistic style, conflicted with the regime's idealized, nationalistic, and militaristic aesthetic. Hundreds of his works were removed from German museums, many subsequently destroyed or sold, particularly after the infamous 1937 "Degenerate Art" exhibition.

What artistic styles influenced Ernst Barlach?

Barlach's distinctive style uniquely blends elements of twentieth-century Realism and Expressionism. His work exhibits the tangible quality of Realism in its portrayal of human figures, while simultaneously conveying intense emotional and spiritual depth, characteristic of Expressionism, often inspired by his observations of everyday life and his trip to Russia.

What materials did Ernst Barlach primarily use for his sculptures?

Barlach primarily worked with wood, a material that allowed him to achieve the rough, simplified forms and deeply carved surfaces characteristic of his expressive style. He also produced significant works in bronze and ceramics.