The Writing Prophet (Saint John on Patmos)

The Writing Prophet (Saint John on Patmos)

Ernst Barlach

1919

ink

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

About this work

This woodcut shows a robed figure sitting on jagged rocks, holding a scroll. The background is a wild tangle of swirling lines, like wind or waves. The figure’s face is blurred, with one hand raised as if speaking or gesturing. The chaotic lines might represent a storm or strong emotion. The artist used sharp contrasts between light and dark to create drama. Next, look up woodcut to see how this printmaking technique works.

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