Hermann Struck In Uniform 1914

Lovis Corinth rendered this watercolor portrait of Hermann Struck in uniform, capturing the weight of duty and the shadow of war. Note the sitter's gaze, intense, and the subtle red armband, a motif that, like a specter, haunts the history of conflict. The color red has a long lineage in art, often symbolizing sacrifice or revolution. Think of its appearances in medieval altarpieces, or the flags of revolutionary paintings. Here, it's understated, yet it carries the weight of centuries of symbolic association. The somber tones and the sitter's posture evoke a sense of introspection. It’s a visual echo of the psychological burden carried by individuals amidst larger historical forces.