The sun
(Die Sonne)
(1914)
plate from the Zehn Holzschnitte von Schmidt-Rottluff portfolio, J.B. Neumann, Das Berliner Graphische Kabinett, Berlin, 1919
- Credit Line
- National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Purchased, 1956
© Karl Schmidt-Rottluff/VG Bild-Kunst, Bonn. Licensed by Copyright Agency, Australia
- Gallery location
- Not on display
About this work
Karl Schmidt-Rottluff and the other Die Brücke artists were drawn to printmaking, and Edvard Munch’s expressive, simplified woodcuts were particularly influential for them. Created in the summer of 1914 during Schmidt-Rottluff’s customary lakeside retreat, The sun exemplifies a common theme in early Expressionist art: an almost spiritual reverence for nature. In this woodcut, two figures approach a rising sun. As they walk towards the light, their outstretched arms convey a sense of optimism about what lies ahead. With its allusions to salvation, The sun reflects Schmidt-Rottluff’s belief that the imminent war would pave the way for a brighter future.
Artwork Details
Purchased, 1956
© Karl Schmidt-Rottluff/VG Bild-Kunst, Bonn. Licensed by Copyright Agency, Australia
This digital record has been made available on NGV Collection Online through the generous support of the Joe White Bequest