The Cathedrals 1920

"The Cathedrals" (1920) is a woodcut by German Expressionist artist Ernst Barlach (1870-1938). The artwork depicts a towering figure, likely a priest or religious figure, standing over a city, presumably in the city of Hamburg, Germany. The background features a multitude of church spires and gothic architecture, while the foreground is dominated by the lone figure of a man in a black robe. The powerful black and white composition uses dramatic lines and stark contrasts to convey the weight and gravity of the figure and the city. The woodcut is a powerful expression of Barlach's artistic vision, capturing the starkness and alienation of modern life through his unique style.