O Ewigkeit, du Donnerwort (Bachkantate)

1918

Oskar Kokoschka

Associated Names
Oskar Kokoschka

Artist, Austrian, 1886 - 1980

Fritz Gurlitt

Publisher, German, 1854 - 1893

This is a drawing of a figure standing on a sphere amidst stylized waves and landscape lines. The drawing features a simplified figure with arms outstretched, balanced on a circular form resembling a globe or ball. Surrounding the central figure, there are fluid lines representing waves. Above the illustration, there is text in German, while below it, there is the name "VERLAG FRITZ GURLITT BERLIN 1918." The drawing has a linear quality, emphasizing line work over shading. The signature and date mark it as "Mendersohn 1918" in the lower right corner.
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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    bound volume with twelve signed lithographs (eleven illustrations plus one illustrated titlepage of Fortuna) on laid paper.

  • Credit Line

    Gift of Beverly and Christopher With in memory of Karl and Gerda With

  • Dimensions

    sheet: 55 x 41.8 cm (21 5/8 x 16 7/16 in.)
    book: 56 x 42 x 1 cm (22 1/16 x 16 9/16 x 3/8 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2008.96.1.1

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Wingler/Welz 1975, nos. 58-68

Associated Artworks

See all 12 artworks
This is a drawing of a figure standing on a spherical object. The drawing features a thin, etched outline depicting a person with arms outstretched, draped in flowing garments, standing on top of a globe or a round object. The figure is set against a background of delicately sketched clouds or waves. The minimalist use of lines and the monochromatic scheme give it a simplistic yet striking appearance.

O Ewigkeit, du Donnerwort (Bachkantate)

Oskar Kokoschka, Fritz Gurlitt

1918

The image shows a drawing of a person's upper body, concentrating on the head, shoulders, and hands. The individual is positioned in a slight side angle with their face turned towards the viewer, appearing seated. The facial features are detailed with deep lines and shadows, highlighting prominent cheekbones and a defined brow, while the hair is short and wavy. The person is dressed in a loose, textured shirt and is holding what seems to be a pen or brush, possibly in a contemplative pose. The background is plain with cross-hatched lines, emphasizing the figure's expressive face.

O Ewigkeit, du Donnerwort (Bachkantate)

Oskar Kokoschka, Fritz Gurlitt

1918

The image shows swirling lines and curved shapes forming an abstract design in the center. The lines and shapes suggest a floral arrangement that spirals outward and upward like petals and leaves. Below the floral shapes are jagged, darker lines resembling a vase. The composition hints at organic forms with fluidity and motion.

O Ewigkeit, du Donnerwort (Bachkantate)

Oskar Kokoschka, Fritz Gurlitt

1918

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Gift of the Artist via Mr. Burnstein (letter from artist enclosed in book); Karl With; by bequest to Beverly and Christopher With, Washington, DC, 1981; gift to NGA, 2008.

Associated Names

Inscriptions

lower right in graphite on titlepage: Kokoschka 1918; verso of title page in graphite: (not deciphered) / Pittsfield. orig. 1949 / Kokoschka / (not deciphered); inside upper left front cover in graphite: Karl Widtr. former director Kunstgerverhemuseum, Köln

Markings

label of J.H. de Bois, Haarlem (bookseller?)

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