Macbeth V 1918

Editor: This is "Macbeth V" by Wilhelm Lehmbruck. It looks like an etching and the composition is really disturbing. All the figures are elongated and distorted. What do you see in this piece? Curator: The stark contrast between light and shadow immediately draws the eye. Lehmbruck masterfully uses line to create a sense of unease and dread. Notice how the vertical lines of Macbeth's cloak dominate the composition. Editor: Yes, it’s very heavy. How do the other figures play into that effect? Curator: They act as a chorus, mirroring Macbeth's internal turmoil through their distorted forms and positioning. It's a visual representation of psychological disintegration, wouldn't you agree? Editor: I think so. The sharp lines and exaggerated forms make the narrative very intense. Curator: Indeed, Lehmbruck focuses on the formal elements to convey the tragedy's core: the corruption of power.