To the Moon 3: Lunar Enchantment 1924

Curator: This is "To the Moon 3: Lunar Enchantment," a drawing by the German Expressionist artist Ernst Barlach. Editor: It has such a haunting, unsettled feel, doesn’t it? The figure seems caught between worlds. Curator: Barlach often explored themes of spiritual longing and inner turmoil, reflecting the anxieties of his time. The stark lines heighten that feeling. Editor: I can see that. It looks like the figure is sleepwalking, or maybe they're entranced by the moon, compelled to wander. Curator: Considering the work's title, that's a fair interpretation. Editor: The raw quality of the drawing mirrors the exposed vulnerability of the subject. Curator: Yes, Barlach used the expressive potential of his medium to portray a world of conflicting emotions. Editor: It's a beautiful, strange piece—it really lingers with you. Curator: Indeed, Barlach’s work can be disquieting, yet profoundly moving.