Sunset 1944

Werner Drewes created this etching titled *Sunset* in 1944. Born in Germany and later a U.S. citizen, his work often explores themes of abstraction and expressionism. This piece, made during the tumult of World War II, presents a fractured landscape, reflecting the fragmented nature of the world at that time. The use of geometric shapes and contrasting tones evokes a sense of tension, mirroring the anxieties and uncertainties of the war period. Drewes once said, "Art is a synthesis of feeling and intellect." Here, the emotional weight of the era merges with an intellectual approach to form, creating a visual language that speaks to both the personal and the universal. Although abstract, there are traces of the female form here, reclining, perhaps in a moment of rest or reflection. The sharp angles contrast with the soft curves, reflecting the internal conflicts and resilience of women, who had to keep society going during the war. Ultimately, *Sunset* captures a moment of contemplation amidst chaos, inviting us to reflect on the complexities of identity, history, and human experience.