About the Artwork
Barlach used dramatic gesture as a means of expressing a wide range of human emotions. “The Avenger’s” strong silhouette and fanlike robe suggest a powerful kinetic thrust and unrestrained aggression. The relatively inexpressive face of the figure is subordinated to the dynamic use of the entire figure as projectile. This work testifies to the enthusiasm with which Barlach, like other German artists and intellectuals, welcomed the outbreak of World War I, although their patriotism was, in Barlach’s case, short lived.
The Avenger
1914, cast 1930
Ernst Barlach
1870-1938
German
Unknown
Bronze
Overall: 17 1/2 × 8 1/2 × 23 1/2 inches (44.5 × 21.6 × 59.7 cm)
Sculpture
European Modern Art to 1970
Gift of Mrs. George Kamperman in memory of her husband Dr. George Kamperman
64.260
Copyright not assessed, please contact [email protected].
Markings
Signed, on left side above base: E Barlach 1/10
Inscribed: 1/10.
Marks: H. NOACK | BERLIN FRIEDENAN
Provenance
by 1946, Dr. and Mrs. George Kamperman (Detroit, Michigan, USA)
1964-present, gift to the Detroit Institute of Arts (Detroit, Michigan, USA)
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Provenance pageExhibition History
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The exhibition history of a number of objects in our collection only begins after their acquisition by the museum, and may reflect an incomplete record.
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Suggest FeedbackPublished References
Masterpieces from the Detroit Institute of Arts. Exh. cat., Bunkamura Museum of Art. Detroit, 1989, no.115 (ill.).
Uhr, Horst. "Masterpieces of German Expressionism at the Detroit Institute of Arts." New York, 1982, p. 32 (ill.).
"Arts and Crafts in Detroit." 1976, no. 247, p.188 (ill.).
Bulletin of the DIA 44, no. 1 (1964-65): p. 10, p.14 (ill.).
Origins of Modern Sculpture. Exh. cat., Detroit Institute of Arts and St. Louis City Art Museum. Detroit and St. Louis, 1946, cat. no. 74. [as "Revenge"]
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Credit Line for Reproduction
Ernst Barlach, The Avenger, 1914, cast 1930, bronze. Detroit Institute of Arts, Gift of Mrs. George Kamperman in memory of her husband Dr. George Kamperman, 64.260.
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