Illustration to a Poem by Arno Holz 1898

Alfred Roller created this illustration to Arno Holz's poem, employing stark black ink to bring forth symbolic imagery. Dominating the scene is the mythical Phoenix, forever reborn from ashes, a potent symbol of renewal and immortality. From ancient Egypt to the Greeks, and even in early Christian art, the Phoenix embodies hope and cyclical existence. Here, it guides our Erz-knight, not unlike the way it has guided humanity's collective psyche for millennia. Note how the lilies, emblems of purity, and the roses, symbols of love and passion, intertwine. They evoke the dance between opposing forces. This interplay suggests a deeper, subconscious desire for balance and integration, resonating with the viewer on an emotional level. The Phoenix, as a symbol, is not static; it continually reinvents itself, carrying the weight of history while adapting to new contexts. This transformation reflects our own psychological journey.