The Waterfall 1912

Franz Marc’s oil on canvas, The Waterfall, shows a dreamlike natural landscape with a group of figures. Painted in Germany, sometime before the artist’s death in 1916, the work can be read within the context of expressionism, an early twentieth-century movement, which rejected academic tradition in favour of emotional intensity. This coincided with widespread social changes and anxieties about industrialization. Marc, like many expressionists, turned to nature as an escape from the perceived corruption of modern life. His work often depicted animals as symbols of purity and innocence, in contrast to humanity's destructive tendencies. Here, that theme is visible in the white bear. The waterfall itself suggests the sublime power of nature. The juxtaposition of this force with the small, huddled figures raises questions about humanity's place in the world and its relationship to the environment. Marc’s expressionist style is evident in the bold colours, distorted forms, and simplified shapes. To fully appreciate this painting, one might look at writings on expressionism, which can tell us a lot about Marc’s worldview. It is only by placing artworks like this in their social and intellectual context, that we can come to a deeper understanding of their meaning.