Ernst Barlach: Sculpture 'Kussgruppe I' (1921), bronze

The mysticism of love: Ernst Barlach's 'Kussgruppe I'. ars mundi exclusive edition, published in collaboration with the Kunsthalle Bremen The work of Ernst Barlach (1870-1938) is characterised by profound humanity. His depictions of ordinary people avoid the idealisation of the external and at the same time insist on an ideal of humanity that is diametrically opposed to the historical course of the artist's life. His praying, musical, searching figures seem to be imbued with a spiritual force that makes them part of an overarching, mystical whole. This also applies to Barlach's Kiss, which was certainly also created in 1921 in dialogue with Auguste Rodin's work of the same name. Unlike Rodin's work, the sculptural group does not emphasise the element of Eros, but depicts the lovers in an affection that goes far beyond this. The intimacy with which they are turned towards each other seems to be characterised by a long shared life experience and unbreakable trust. Even in its monolithic structure, the work shows a 'two-ness' of the couple that reveals love not as a fleeting erotic phenomenon, but as an almost mystical fundamental human experience - not Venus and Adonis, but Philemon and Baucis were the inspiration here.sculpture 'Kussgruppe I': Original: painted plaster. Sculpture in fine bronze, cast using the lost wax technique, chiselled, polished and patinated by hand. Moulded directly from the original. Limited edition of 980 pieces, individually numbered and with the signature 'E. Barlach' and the foundry mark. Published in co-operation with the Kunsthalle Bremen. With numbered certificate of authenticity and limitation. Size 19.5 x 19 x 10 cm (h/w/d). Weight 3.2 kg. ars mundi exclusive edition. 'Some of the most famous works of modern art are dedicated to the kiss - Gustav Klimt's and Auguste Rodin's depictions are the most prominent examples. Ernst Barlach also explored this theme. At the centre of his work is the human being and the entire range of his emotions. The Bremen kissing group presents an unusually intimate view of a couple showing affection, which is further emphasised by the format and the medium.' (Prof. Dr Christoph Grunenberg, Director of the Kunsthalle Bremen)