Humility, from Bildermann 1 (1 April 1916) 1916

Editor: Ernst Barlach's "Humility," from 1916, presents this stooped figure with such stark, deliberate lines. It feels incredibly somber. What strikes you most about this piece? Curator: The lithographic process itself is key here. Consider the scarcity of resources in 1916 Germany during wartime. The artist's choice of this readily available medium speaks volumes. It’s a powerful statement about accessibility and the democratization of art during conflict. Editor: So, the choice of materials reflects the socio-economic conditions of the time? Curator: Precisely. Barlach isn't just depicting humility; he's enacting it through his artistic choices, challenging the preciousness often associated with art production. What do you make of the figure's stark clothing? Editor: I hadn’t thought about the production that way, but it certainly shifts my perspective. Thanks!