Ernst Barlach: Sculpture 'Reading Monks III' (1932), reduction in bronze

Barlach, one of the main representatives of German Expressionism, is famous for his wood and bronze sculptures. The theme of reading monks had already preoccupied him in 1921. In the bronze work from 1932, of which there was a wooden version, he emphasises the expressive power of the linear folds of the robes through reduction and welds the block of seated figures together. He was inspired by the art of 14th century Florence, as well as the sculptures and paintings of the master Bertram (1345-1415), who in the altar of 1379 in the Hamburger Kunsthalle displays a primal, vivid narrative gift. Barlach's avant-garde vision sought to recapture this fundamental power. The wooden version was ridiculed by the National Socialists in 1937 in Munich in the exhibition 'Degenerate Art'. Barlach's work survived, recognised worldwide and represented in the most important collections. Sculpture 'Reading Monks III': Driven by humanity and social commitment, Barlach's creative power leads to concentration and internalisation. The joint-like treatment of his surfaces, in conjunction with the folded curves, is like breathing in and out, a vital cohesion. The circle that opens up in the sculpture from the head of the left monk over the shoulder and arm to the open book is continued to the arm of the right monk and closes in the shoulder and head tilt. The communication between the individuals and the book lives in this circle. They have read and understood. In the admonishing silence outside the fleeting process of life, they have come to rest. We recognise the fine nuances of designed balance in the folded hands of the monk on the right, which hover like a symbol in front of two folds of the bowl. Barlach's work becomes the mouth of truth. 'I recommend this work as an important contemporary document before which we can become reverent. Its great potential today is to show a way away from the fashionable and trivial sensations of everyday life to the essence of being human: Asking questions, recognising, drawing conclusions for self-discovery. The reading monks III provide an example. They illustrate the appeal and comfort that comes from books. Joy and depth in understanding the world can emerge from a poem as they do from this sculpture. In his forms, Barlach gives us a part of the endless context of creation, the prerequisites for approaching the meaning of life. That is the religious aspect of his art, love. (Dr Friedhelm Häring, former museum director and curator)Sculpture in fine bronze, cast using the lost wax technique and chiselled, polished and patinated by hand. Moulded directly from the original and reduced in size (reduction). Limited edition of 980 pieces, individually numbered and with the signature 'E. Barlach' and the foundry mark. ars mundi exclusive edition. With numbered certificate of authenticity and limitation certificate. Size 22 x 16.5 x 14 cm (h/w/d), weight 4.2 kg.