Cain and Abel; verso: Expulsion of Cain c. 1915

Editor: Here we have Lovis Corinth’s “Cain and Abel,” a drawing where the figures seem to burst with raw emotion. The loose sketch style is incredibly striking. What can you tell me about its historical context? Curator: This drawing, depicting such a foundational story of violence, reflects Corinth’s broader engagement with themes of human struggle and morality. Consider the time in which he was working, rife with societal upheaval and questioning of traditional values. How might that have shaped his interpretation? Editor: So, the social climate possibly influenced his focus on the darker aspects of the narrative? Curator: Precisely. Corinth, working within a rapidly changing art world, used biblical narratives to reflect contemporary anxieties and comment on the human condition, inviting viewers to confront uncomfortable truths. It’s less about the literal depiction, and more about the emotional and psychological impact. Editor: That’s a powerful way to look at it. I’m seeing the piece in a new light. Curator: It's about questioning how such narratives are reinterpreted and used to reflect on the viewer’s society.