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      Atelier · Est. 2015 · Paris, France
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      Panic Terror

      Ernst Barlach (1870-1938): German Expressionist sculptor & printmaker known for powerful anti-war works, emotive figures in wood & bronze. A key voice against injustice.

      Giclée / Art Print

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      Total Price

      $ 65

      Panic Terror

      Giclée / Art Print

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      Quick Facts

      • Influences: German Romanticism
      • Subject or theme: Conflict; Struggle
      • Title: Panic Terror
      • Artist: Ernst Barlach
      • Artistic style: Realistic Expressionism

      Art Quiz

      There is only one correct answer for each question.

      Question 1:
      What artistic movement is Ernst Barlach primarily associated with?
      Question 2:
      The sculpture 'Panic Terror' depicts a scene of:
      Question 3:
      What material was predominantly used in the creation of ‘Panic Terror’?
      Question 4:
      In what year was Ernst Barlach born?
      Question 5:
      Why did Ernst Barlach’s artistic stance shift during the years leading up to World War I?

      Panic Terror – A Sculptural Confrontation with Conflict

      Ernst Barlach’s “Panic Terror,” created in 1912, stands as a visceral testament to the anxieties simmering beneath the surface of early twentieth-century Europe. This striking wooden sculpture depicts two figures locked in a brutal struggle—a dynamic portrayal that transcends mere physicality and delves into the psychological torment inherent in confrontation.

      Subject Matter and Composition

      The sculpture’s subject matter is deliberately unsettling: two men wrestling, their bodies intertwined in an agonized dance of resistance. The positioning of one figure dominating the other underscores themes of power imbalance and vulnerability—a visual metaphor for broader societal tensions. Barlach meticulously crafted the scene to capture a moment of intense emotion, prioritizing expressive gesture over idealized form.

      Style and Technique – Expressionist Roots

      “Panic Terror” firmly establishes itself within the Expressionist movement, rejecting Impressionistic aesthetics in favor of conveying inner turmoil through distorted forms and exaggerated musculature. Barlach’s masterful use of wood—specifically Baltic birch—allowed him to achieve remarkable detail while maintaining a raw, tactile quality that embodies the sculpture's emotional core. The sculptor employed subtractive carving techniques, meticulously removing material to reveal the underlying structure and emphasize the contours of the figures.

      Historical Context – Echoes of War Anxiety

      The creation of “Panic Terror” coincided with a period marked by escalating anxieties surrounding the impending First World War. Barlach’s artistic sensibilities were profoundly shaped by this climate, reflecting a deep concern for human suffering and injustice. Like many Expressionist artists of his time, he sought to communicate profound emotional truths—fear, desperation, and defiance—rather than simply documenting observable reality.

      Symbolism – Beyond Physical Struggle

      More than just depicting a physical altercation, “Panic Terror” operates on symbolic levels. The wrestling figures represent the clash between opposing ideologies or perhaps the internal battles waged within individuals confronting adversity. Barlach’s deliberate simplification of form contributes to this symbolic resonance, stripping away extraneous detail to focus solely on conveying emotion and embodying the essence of human struggle. The stark white wall against which the sculpture is displayed serves as a neutral backdrop, amplifying the sculpture's dramatic impact.

      • Artist: Ernst Barlach
      • Year Created: 1912
      • Medium: Wood (Baltic Birch)
      • Style: Expressionism

      Questions & Answers

      At what age did Ernst Barlach make "Panic Terror"?

      Ernst Barlach made "Panic Terror" at the age of 42. The artist was born in 1870 and the work is dated 1912.

      How do contrast and harmony combine in "Panic Terror"?

      The color composition of "Panic Terror" by Ernst Barlach combines a statement contrast with a unified palette harmony.

      What are the medium and date of "Panic Terror" by Ernst Barlach?

      The medium of "Panic Terror" by Ernst Barlach is sculpture bronze, and the work is dated 1912.


      Artist Biography

      Ernst Barlach: Life and Legacy

      Early Life and Education

      • Born in Wedel, Holstein (Germany) on January 2nd, 1870, Ernst Heinrich Barlach was the eldest of four sons.
      • His father, Dr. Georg Barlach, was a physician who died when Ernst was fourteen, leading to a move with his family.
      • He received his early education in Ratzeburg and Schönberg, growing up in a devout Lutheran household.
      • Barlach began his artistic training at the Gewerbeschule Hamburg (Hamburg School of Applied Arts) from 1888 to 1891.
      • He continued his studies at the Königliche Akademie der bildenden Künste zu Dresden (Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Dresden) between 1891 and 1895, creating his first major sculpture, Die Krautpflückerin (The Herb Plucker).
      • He briefly studied at the Académie Julian in Paris from 1895 to 1897 but remained critical of simply copying French styles.

      Artistic Development and Influences

      • Initially, Barlach worked in an Art Nouveau style, creating illustrations for the magazine Jugend and ceramic sculptures.
      • A pivotal trip to Russia in 1906 profoundly influenced his artistic direction, exposing him to new perspectives and a more expressive aesthetic.
      • Financial support from art dealer Paul Cassirer allowed Barlach to develop his unique style, focusing on the emotional intensity of human figures.
      • He drew inspiration from early Gothic art, particularly its dramatic drapery and spiritual yearning.
      • Barlach’s work also reflects influences from Russian folk art and a growing interest in portraying the lives of ordinary people.

      Key Themes and Artistic Style

      • Barlach's sculptures, prints, and writings often explored themes of human suffering, spiritual longing, and social injustice.
      • His figures are characterized by their elongated forms, expressive gestures, and a sense of inner turmoil.
      • He frequently used wood carving and bronze as his primary mediums, emphasizing the tactile qualities of these materials.
      • The Singing Man, Frenzy (Der Berserker), and Shepherd in a Storm are examples of his emotionally charged and symbolic works.

      World War I and its Aftermath

      • Initially, Barlach was a patriotic supporter of World War I, anticipating artistic renewal through conflict.
      • His experience as an infantry soldier from 1915 to 1916 profoundly changed his views, transforming him into a staunch pacifist.
      • The horrors of war became a central theme in his subsequent work, leading to powerful anti-war sculptures like Der Rächer (The Avenger).

      Recognition and Controversy

      • Barlach gained significant recognition after the war, becoming a member of prestigious art academies in Prussia and Munich.
      • However, his anti-war stance and expressive style drew criticism during the rise of Nazism.
      • His works were labeled as “degenerate art” by the Nazi regime and confiscated from museums.
      • The Magdeburg Cenotaph, a WWI memorial depicting the pain and futility of war, sparked intense controversy and was temporarily removed.

      Legacy and Historical Significance

      • Ernst Barlach died in Güstrow, Mecklenburg, on October 24th, 1938, but his artistic legacy endures.
      • He is considered one of the most important German Expressionist sculptors of the 20th century.
      • His work continues to resonate with audiences today, offering a powerful commentary on the human condition and the devastating consequences of war.
      • Barlach’s commitment to artistic integrity in the face of political oppression makes him an important figure in art history.
      Ernst Barlach

      Ernst Barlach

      1870 - 1938

      Quick Facts

      • Name: Ernst Barlach
      • Movement: Expressionism
      • Birth_Date: 1870
      • Death_Date: 1938
      • Birth_Place: Wedel, Holstein
      • Nationality: German
      • Date Of Birth: 1870
      • Date Of Death: 1938
      • Notable_Works:
        • Die Krautpflückerin (The Herb Plucker)
        • Der Rächer (The Avenger)
        • Magdeburger Ehrenmal (Magdeburg Cenotaph)
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