Ernst Barlach: Sculpture 'Der Sinnende II' (1934), reduction in bronze

Ernst Barlach and the work of thought Barlach's 'Sinnender' was created in 1934, which was also a year of great upheaval and important decisions for him. Although Barlach initially demonstrated his willingness to subordinate himself to the Nazi art system by signing the 'Aufruf der Kulturschaffenden' ('Call of the Creative Artists'), the criticism of him from these very circles, which had been voiced loudly for some time, grew to such an extent that his first works were removed from public view. His 'Wanderer in the Wind' - also from 1934 - is interpreted today as the work with which he finally took a stand against the regime. In this respect, his 'Sinnender' also symbolises an agonising process: a young man who can see the effort of thinking because he is being asked to make a momentous decision. Sculpture 'The Contemplative II': Fingertips placed against the cheek and deeply absorbed in thought: Barlach's 'Contemplative' shows thinking as highly concentrated labour. Moulded by hand using the lost wax technique and patinated. Moulded directly from the original and reduced in size (reduction). Limited edition of 980 copies, individually numbered and with the signature 'E. Barlach' and the foundry mark. ars mundi exclusive edition, published in collaboration with the Ernst Barlach Gesellschaft. With numbered certificate of authenticity and limitation. Size 8 x 34.5 x 5.5 cm (W/H/D). Weight 2.5 kg. 'For me, 'Der Sinnende' embodies the stillness of great wisdom in its pose. The slightly bulging round shape of the body is only emphasised by four long folds. The left hand, raised to the chin, appears as an actively raised gesture of contemplation and introspection, while the right hand is rather inactively withdrawn into the shell of the cloak. Fragile and sensitive, 'the contemplative' appears as the contemplative existence par excellence. He seems to be a person who is dependent on external, perhaps higher help. He does not judge, he does not pass judgement, he simply bears witness to his existence. Spirituality and religious aura permeate his entire appearance. (Dr Jürgen Doppelstein, Ernst Barlach Society)