Old Man 1918

'Old Man' by Christian Rohlfs presents a compelling image through the raw texture and stark contrasts inherent in the woodcut medium. The composition, dominated by red and black vertical lines, coalesces to form the figure of an elderly man against a pale background. The coarse marks evoke a sense of ruggedness and emotional depth. Rohlfs’ work here destabilizes traditional portraiture by emphasizing the material presence of the woodblock, where the physical act of carving becomes integral to the work’s meaning. The lines define not just form but also imbue the subject with a weight of experience and a sense of existential struggle. This relates to broader expressionist concerns, where emotional intensity and subjective experience are prioritized over mere representation. The use of woodcut, with its inherently graphic and somewhat brutal quality, emphasizes the unvarnished truth of aging. It underscores how the materiality of art can reflect psychological states, turning the act of viewing into an encounter with a profound and challenging human condition.