Ernst Barlach: Sculpture 'The Walker' (1912), reduction in bronze

'It was a fellow countryman who was travelling between Güstrow and Rostock. He sat opposite me with his mighty body so motionless that our knees were touching, there was no question of drawing. I had no choice but to draw him until I finally memorised him. This is how Ernst Barlach describes his encounter with the fellow traveller who would later serve as a model for his sculpture. A mature man trudges against the wind with his hands clasped behind his back. The sculpture is reminiscent of Goethe's privy councillor. One could also think of the great Ludwig van Beethoven, who is making his way through the streets of Vienna's historic centre in an overcoat. Both faced the wind and many a storm with courage and a spirit of contradiction throughout their lives. Barlach, like Goethe and Beethoven, was a passionate wanderer and walker. Continuing on his path through life is only a walk in exceptional cases. With eyes searching in the distance and whistling a defiant melody, Barlach's walker defies everything. His walker shows poise through and through. He does not go astray. He stands up to the wind. He exudes great urgency. It conveys impressive realisation, strength and power. Barlach's Stroller goes his own way, unperturbed by generational ideas, zeitgeist and fashions. (Dr Friedhelm Häring - former museum director and curator) Sculpture in fine bronze, cast by hand using the lost wax technique, chiselled and patinated. 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 28 x 13.5 x 9.5 cm (h/w/d). Weight 4.8 kg.