Das Kind in der Glorie 1922

Editor: Here we have Ernst Barlach's woodcut, "Das Kind in der Glorie," the date of which is unknown. I'm immediately struck by the contrast between the dark, almost frantic crowd and the serene, illuminated child. What do you see in this piece? Curator: I see a profound exploration of spirituality amidst earthly chaos. Barlach, deeply affected by his experiences in World War I, often grappled with themes of suffering and redemption. The woodcut’s stark black and white intensifies the emotional weight. Does the child offer hope, or is it a mocking reminder of lost innocence? What do you think? Editor: I think maybe it's both? Like, the hope is *there*, but almost unreachable, or maybe even a little dangerous? Curator: Precisely! It’s that tension, that ambiguity, that makes Barlach so compelling. A spiritual yearning, a flicker of light, in the face of overwhelming darkness. It’s a reminder that even in the bleakest landscapes, the possibility of grace persists. Editor: Wow, I see it now. Thanks for pointing that out!