Prometheus 2: The Molded Figure of Man 1924

Curator: This is Ernst Barlach's "Prometheus 2: The Molded Figure of Man," currently residing at the Harvard Art Museums. It’s a compelling work rendered at roughly 17 by 19 centimeters. Editor: My first impression is one of stark vulnerability. The lines are raw, almost frantic, depicting a figure hunched over, seemingly protecting a fragile, almost embryonic form. Curator: Barlach often explored the theme of humanity's struggle, and Prometheus, a figure of defiance and creation, fits perfectly. Consider the cultural weight of this Greek myth and how Barlach reinterprets it. Editor: Exactly! Barlach evokes our primal relationship to creation and responsibility. Prometheus is not just a rebel but a symbol of creative force. I see the anxiety of parenthood, both literally and figuratively. Curator: And this image, even in its sketch-like quality, holds that tension. The lack of a precise date allows for broader interpretations, connecting past myths to contemporary anxieties about the human condition. Editor: The rawness is powerful. There is something universal in Barlach’s rendition, transcending any singular moment in time. Curator: Indeed. Barlach offers a window into the ongoing story of creation and its consequences. Editor: It's a reminder that these old narratives continue to shape us.