Bronze Figure - Memorial (1928/29) - Signed Ernst Barlach

A Testament to Humanity: Ernst Barlach’s Bronze Figure - Memorial (1928/29)

The “Memorial” by Ernst Barlach is an evocative and deeply moving bronze sculpture that captures the profound complexities of human suffering, remembrance, and hope. This monumental piece, conceived between 1928 and 1929, stands as a timeless embodiment of the artist’s philosophical and artistic commitment to expressing the unspoken depths of the human condition. Limited to only 20 casts, this work is a rare and significant treasure for art collectors and admirers of expressionist sculpture.

Ernst Barlach: A Visionary of Expressionism

Born on January 2, 1870, in Wedel, Germany, Ernst Barlach was a luminary of the German expressionist movement. Renowned for his emotionally charged and spiritually resonant sculptures, Barlach sought to transcend physical representation and delve into the soul’s intangible essence. He studied at the Hamburg School of Applied Arts and later at the Dresden Academy of Fine Arts, where his distinctive style began to emerge.

Barlach’s life was profoundly shaped by the societal upheavals of his time, including the First World War and the interwar period, experiences that permeated his art with themes of suffering, resilience, and the search for redemption. He passed away on October 24, 1938, in Rostock, but his legacy endures, particularly through the Ernst Barlach Museum in Güstrow, which preserves and celebrates his life’s work.

The Creation of the Memorial

The “Memorial” was conceived in Güstrow, Germany, at the height of Barlach’s career. Commissioned as a public memorial, the piece was intended to honor the fallen soldiers of World War I while also serving as a universal reflection on the broader human experience of loss and mourning. Completed in 1929, the work was initially installed in the Güstrow Cathedral, where its profound impact on visitors was immediate and enduring.

A Profound Visual Composition

The sculpture features five distinct figures arranged in a harmonious yet emotionally charged composition. At its center is a towering, stoic figure holding a cross—a symbol of sacrifice and redemption. Surrounding this figure are representations of diverse human responses to suffering: grief, contemplation, resilience, and spiritual seeking.

Barlach’s attention to detail is unparalleled. The flowing garments of the figures, the nuanced expressions etched into their faces, and the deliberate interplay of light and shadow on the bronze surface all contribute to the work’s emotional depth. Each figure tells its own story, yet together they create a unified narrative that transcends individual experiences to speak to the collective human soul.

The Legacy of Expressionism

As an expressionist work, the “Memorial” eschews mere physical likeness in favor of emotional resonance. Barlach’s skillful use of abstraction and distortion amplifies the psychological weight of the piece, compelling viewers to engage with it on a deeply personal level. The figures’ elongated forms and exaggerated gestures evoke a sense of timelessness, situating the sculpture beyond any specific historical context.

Limited Edition Bronze Casting

This exclusive bronze edition of the “Memorial” is limited to only 20 pieces, each meticulously cast. The limited nature of this edition underscores its rarity and desirability, making it a cornerstone piece for collectors and connoisseurs of modern art.

A Universal Message

The “Memorial” is more than a sculpture; it is a profound statement on the human condition. By addressing themes of grief, remembrance, and redemption, Barlach’s work resonates across cultures and generations. It challenges viewers to confront their own experiences of loss while offering a message of resilience and spiritual transcendence.

Preserving the Legacy

For art collectors, historians, and admirers of Ernst Barlach, this limited-edition bronze offers a unique opportunity to own a piece of history. Its significance as both an artistic masterpiece and a historical artifact ensures its enduring value and relevance.

This sculpture stands as a testament to Barlach’s genius, capturing the essence of human emotion and spirit in a way that few artists have achieved. It is a piece that invites reflection, sparks dialogue, and holds a timeless place in the canon of modern art.

Height: 32 cm
Width: 22 cm
Depth: 13 cm
Weight: 6,4 kg
100% bronze