Enkidu Became Clay [Enkidu ist zu Erde geworden] 1947

Willi Baumeister made this lithograph titled ‘Enkidu Became Clay’ at an unknown date. Baumeister was associated with the abstract art movement, and he also drew inspiration from ancient cultures. This print takes its name and inspiration from the ‘Epic of Gilgamesh’, one of the oldest known works of literature. ‘Gilgamesh’ tells the story of the friendship between King Gilgamesh and Enkidu. In the story, Enkidu is made from clay by the gods. He eventually dies, and this print shows Enkidu’s return to clay. The artist lived through both World Wars, and his work was banned by the Nazis. After the Second World War, he became a professor at the State Academy of Fine Arts in Stuttgart. By looking at Baumeister's letters, diaries, and teaching materials, we can understand more about how he combined abstraction and figuration.