The Assault

The Assault

Ernst Barlach

1915

ink

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

About this work

This sketch shows tangled, twisted figures in a chaotic struggle. The lines are rough and uneven, making the scene feel urgent and messy. Shadows and light are barely suggested—just enough to hint at bodies and movement. The artist used quick, sketchy strokes to show raw emotion. The title *The Assault* fits the feeling of conflict here. Next, explore lithography to see how this technique creates such expressive marks.

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