I Thirst (Mich durstet) 

Peter Kleinschmidt created this compelling image, “I Thirst”, a print in shades of grey, during a period marked by the aftermath of World War II and the rise of existentialism. Kleinschmidt, who lived through the war, captured in this piece a profound sense of suffering and spiritual longing. The stark, textured portrayal of Christ wearing the crown of thorns departs from traditional representations, and instead evokes a sense of raw, human pain. The title, “I Thirst,” is one of the final statements of Jesus on the cross. The work speaks to the complex interplay between religious narratives, personal suffering, and collective trauma. Perhaps Kleinschmidt is making a statement about the thirst for meaning in a world scarred by conflict. The emotional depth of "I Thirst" invites us to contemplate the nature of human suffering, and how cultural narratives shape our understanding of identity and existence.