Fisherman 1921

Max Pechstein's woodcut portrait of a fisherman is a study in the expressive power of stark black and white. The image, carved with resolute lines, conveys a sense of weathered stoicism. I can imagine Pechstein digging into the woodblock, each gouge a deliberate act, the pressure of his hand shaping the fisherman’s face. The bold cuts around the eyes give the fisherman a squint that speaks of enduring sun and sea. There’s a rawness here that reminds me of the German Expressionists – Kirchner and Heckel come to mind – but also hints at folk art, with its directness and emotional honesty. Look at the lines of the cap, how they mimic waves, or the hatch marks defining the face, like the rings of a tree, each telling a story of time and experience. This isn’t just a portrait; it’s a conversation between the artist, the wood, and the world it represents. It’s a reminder that art is always a dialogue across time, each artist adding their voice to the chorus.