Twee figuren kijkend naar een kruis 1923

Editor: This is "Two Figures Looking at a Cross" by Erich Wichmann, made in 1923 using pencil and graphite. I’m struck by how these almost shapeless figures seem to be completely consumed by this rather small and simply rendered cross above them. What do you make of its power? Curator: The figures, reminiscent of religious icons but devoid of individualizing details, embody the socio-political and spiritual turmoil of the interwar period in Europe. Their gaze toward the cross, a ubiquitous symbol, raises questions. Is it reverence, resignation, or perhaps even a silent protest against established orders that failed to prevent the Great War? The inscription written beneath the image speaks of ecclesia triumphans and ecclesia militans, the church triumphant and the church militant; is the drawing, then, a political statement of faith as power? Editor: That's fascinating! The inscription gives a totally different layer. So it’s not just about simple religious faith, but more about power dynamics? Curator: Exactly. Consider the context: the rise of extremist ideologies, the disillusionment with traditional institutions. Wichmann, an Expressionist artist, wouldn't simply create a devotional image. The crudeness of the drawing style, the anonymity of the figures – all point to a critical commentary on how religious institutions interact with societal structures, then and now. Editor: It is striking how such a small work can carry such a complex message. Curator: Precisely, it forces us to confront the power of symbols and their capacity to both reflect and shape historical realities. I definitely learned how much socio-political perspective changes my interpretation. Editor: I’ll be sure to look beyond the immediate imagery, seeking out the social and political undercurrents in art going forward. Thanks so much!