Eccentric Clown (Excentric-Clown) 1948

Erich Heckel made this compelling print, Eccentric Clown, in 1948, using simple black ink to create a world of complex emotions. The way Heckel uses the ink is so interesting, isn't it? Notice how some lines are thick and bold, and others are thin and scratchy. It gives the clown's face a real sense of depth and character. The background is also interesting - it looks like a carnival or some kind of fairground, and it suggests a whole story beyond the clown himself. Look at the way the lines around the mouth suggest a slightly downturned expression - it really captures a sense of melancholy. It's like Heckel is showing us that even clowns have their own sadness. This print really reminds me of Käthe Kollwitz, another German artist who was great at capturing human emotion with simple lines and bold shapes. I guess what I'm saying is, art is all about looking and feeling, and Heckel's clown gives us plenty to do both.