Study for the Lithograph Refugees 1944

Cyprián Majerník made this study for the lithograph Refugees, likely with pencil and watercolor, and it’s the kind of sketch that feels as heavy as the subject it depicts. There’s a rawness in the way Majerník works the surface. He doesn’t fuss over details; instead, he lets the marks be themselves – scratchy lines that build form but also evoke the weariness of the figures. The color palette is muted, almost drained, mirroring the emotional weight of the scene. Look at the way the washes of brown and grey bleed into each other, creating a sense of unease and movement. It's as if the landscape itself is in turmoil. That lone figure leading the horse, his back hunched, is particularly striking. The line is broken, unsure, yet it conveys such a powerful sense of determination. This reminds me of Käthe Kollwitz, who also tackled themes of war and poverty with such unflinching honesty. Both artists remind us that art isn't just about beauty; it's about bearing witness, and sparking conversation.