Dragons Over a Flame 1914

Oskar Kokoschka created "Dragons Over a Flame" using etching, a printmaking technique that employs acid to cut into a metal plate, allowing for detailed and expressive lines. Kokoschka, a major figure in Expressionism, lived through both World Wars, witnessing firsthand the fracturing of societal norms and the rise of political extremism. This context deeply influenced his art. “Dragons Over a Flame” seems to me to symbolize the chaotic interplay between destructive forces and underlying passions. The dragon is a mythical symbol, and the flame may represent burning emotions or a destructive passion. These dragons evoke a sense of inner turmoil and the struggle to maintain composure amidst inner conflict. Kokoschka's interest in psychology and the human condition comes through strongly in this work. He challenges us to consider the darker, more primal aspects of human nature and how they shape our perceptions and actions.