Children 1915

Christian Rohlfs’ woodcut print depicts a cluster of children, their faces and gestures rendered with an almost primal intensity. The scene evokes a sense of collective storytelling or communal activity, with a lightbulb illuminating the scene. The grouping of figures around a central, unseen focal point carries echoes of classical symposiums. This composition reminds me of images in renaissance paintings, in which figures are gathered to listen to the wisdom of the Gods. These figures bear a striking resemblance to the ancient chorus, a group that embodies collective memory and communal expression. This symbol resonates through time, reappearing in various forms throughout history, each time reflecting the cultural and emotional context in which it is re-imagined. The raw, almost urgent quality of Rohlfs' print engages us on a subconscious level. The intense expressions of the children, captured in stark black and white, suggest a deep, shared experience that transcends words. The artist gives the viewer a powerful glimpse into the cyclical nature of human experience, where ancient symbols are re-activated and imbued with contemporary relevance.