Flagellation 1913

Wilhelm Morgner made this relief print, Flagellation, using dark ink on paper. The stark contrast between the ink and the paper shows the history of its making. Morgner has used the block medium to great effect. The woodblock print process involves cutting away at a block of wood, inking the remaining surface, and pressing it onto paper. What we see in the work is the result of the artists’ labor and skilled use of carving tools to create the desired image. This process creates a bold graphic image, defined by its clear lines and bold shapes, qualities that echo the emotional intensity of the scene depicted. This artwork is more than just an image; it’s a record of the artist's physical engagement with the material and a testament to the expressive potential inherent in the processes of craft. It challenges us to look beyond the surface and consider the value of handcraftsmanship in art.