The King in Thule 2 [Flings his goblet to the foam below] 1924

Editor: This is "The King in Thule 2," a design by Ernst Barlach. There isn’t a date specified. It looks like a lithograph. The scene is somber, maybe even tragic. What historical context can you provide for interpreting this work? Curator: Barlach's piece resonates with the Expressionist movement, reflecting the anxieties of pre-war Germany. Notice the isolation of the figure in the background. The King’s performative rejection of wealth can be viewed as a commentary on power and its inherent loneliness. Does that resonate with your understanding? Editor: Absolutely, there's a definite sense of alienation. So, is this about critiquing societal structures through individual emotional experience? Curator: Precisely. Barlach uses the medieval ballad to explore the human condition under oppressive systems. The stark contrast between light and shadow amplifies the King’s internal turmoil. Understanding his biography, we see echoes of his anti-war sentiments too. Editor: That’s fascinating! It adds so much depth to the image. Curator: It's a reminder of how art can act as a mirror to society, reflecting and challenging its norms.