The Divine Beggar

1921

Ernst Barlach

Associated Names
Ernst Barlach

Artist, German, 1870 - 1938

This is a drawing of a cloaked figure surrounded by swirling lines and forms. The monochrome composition uses strong, expressive lines to depict a robed figure standing on the right side, with the impression of a face in profile. This figure seems to be involved in a scene of swirling activity, as suggested by the dynamic lines and the movement depicted within the robe. The left side of the image contains intricate patterns and abstract shapes, suggesting narrative scenes or symbolic forms that are incorporating the figure on the right into a larger scene. The use of lines is suggestive of woodcut techniques, lending the image a bold and textural quality.

Media Options

Skip thumbnail navigation
Back to thumbnail navigation
This object’s media is free and in the public domain. Read our full Open Access policy for images.
Not on view See artworks now on view

Artwork overview

  • Medium

    woodcut

  • Credit Line

    Rosenwald Collection

  • Dimensions

    image: 25.5 x 35.8 cm (10 1/16 x 14 1/8 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1954.12.209

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Schult 1958, no. 166

  • Series Title

    Die Wandlungen Gottes: 3 [1954.12.206-213]

Associated Artworks

See all 8 artworks
This is a drawing featuring a figure blowing a horn with elaborate text around them. The central figure is depicted in a flowing gown, raising a horn to their lips. Bold lines are used to convey movement in the figure's stance and clothing. Surrounding the figure, there is stylized Gothic script including names and the year “1922”. The artwork is rendered in black on a pale background.

Title Page

Ernst Barlach

1920

This is a drawing of a German text arranged in a list format. The text is written in a elaborate Gothic or blackletter typeface and appears to be a numbered list titled "Blattfolge". The list is organized vertically, with numbers from 1 to 7 followed by phrases such as "Der erste Tag," "Die Dome," "Der göttliche Bettler," "Totentanz," "Gott Bauc," "Die feven," and "Der liebente Tag." The background is a neutral shade, allowing the bold black text to stand out prominently.

Die Wandlungen Gottes

Ernst Barlach

1920

The image shows a figure from the waist up at the center. The person is leaning slightly forward, with arms bent at the elbows and hands reaching outward. The facial features are stylized, with pronounced eyes and a distinct beard extending from the chin. The hair is full and wavy, blending into swirling patterns. The individual is wearing a garment with long, wide sleeves. The background has swirling patterns resembling clouds and wind.

The First Day

Ernst Barlach

1920

Artwork history & notes

Bibliography

1958

  • Schult, Friedrich. Ernst Barlach, das graphische Werke. Hamburg: Dr. Ernst Hauswedell & Co., 1958.

Inscriptions

lower right in graphite below image: EB

Wikidata ID

Q65222945

You may be interested in

Loading Results