After looking at Romanticism, the Nazarenes, and Impressionism, I should probably conclude my series of talks about early modern German art with a full-on exploration of Expressionism and yet I am drawn to one artist in particular, a sculptor whose work I have loved for a long time based on the few works I have seen, but recently have had an opportunity to get to know better: Ernst Barlach. Trained initially in the vocational Gewerbeschule in Hamburg, he artistic ability took him to the Royal Academy of Arts in Dresden, before completing his studies in Paris at the famed, forward-looking Académie Julian. Through all this he resisted the temptation to be influenced by French styles in art, unlike many of his countrymen. 

Back in Germany he worked on illustrations for the journal Die Jugend – ‘Youth’ – which gave its name to Jugendstil, the German equivalent of Art Nouveau. His early works, both graphic and sculptural, embodied this style, but did not bring success. He was profoundly influenced by a visit to Russia in 1906, and his works gradually evolved, with life made more comfortable thanks to an enthusiastic dealer. 

Initially a keen supporter of war – as many were – he was invalided out of service in 1916, and spent the rest of his life as a committed pacifist. This was just one of the aspects of his life and career which brought him into alignment with the probably better-known Käthe Kollwitz, who is portrayed in one of his key works. 

His political beliefs would bring him into conflict with the rising Nazi party, who confiscated his sculptures as ‘degenerate’ and cancelled his membership of art academies. Nevertheless, throughout his life he created sculptures which are both deceptively simple, and profoundly moving. 

As he fits into the broad category of ‘Expressionism’ I would like to take this opportunity to think about a small exhibition of German and Austrian modernist drawings currently on show at The Courtauld, With Graphic Intent – using these drawings to fill out our understanding of the term. It might become a slightly hybrid talk as a result – but I’ll find out how  it works as I put the presentation together!