Der hohe Herr 1922

Editor: Here we have Ernst Barlach's "Der hohe Herr", a stark woodcut print. The high contrast gives it a very dramatic feel. What strikes you about this piece? Curator: The woodcut medium is key. Its accessibility allowed for broader dissemination of Barlach's social critique. Notice how the stark lines emphasize the divide between the 'high lord' and the working class. How does Barlach's choice of such a readily available material influence your reading? Editor: I hadn't thought about the material itself carrying so much meaning, that's insightful. Thanks! Curator: Considering the context of post-war Germany, the availability and use of wood underscore the economic realities and the artist's commentary on societal structures.