Landscape (Polling) 1911

Christian Rohlfs made this woodcut, Landscape (Polling), in the early part of the 20th century. Rohlfs was part of a generation of artists navigating the tumultuous transformations of early modernism. His personal experiences, particularly surviving a leg amputation in his 50s, deeply influenced his artistic expression, compelling him to explore themes of resilience and renewal. The stark contrasts and simplified forms evoke a landscape that feels both familiar and alien. This aesthetic choice reflects the broader Expressionist movement's interest in conveying emotional intensity over realistic representation. Rohlfs daringly reduces the landscape to a series of sharp, angular shapes, inviting us to consider nature not as a passive backdrop but as a dynamic, almost confrontational force. It reflects a search for authenticity and emotional depth during an era marked by industrial growth and social upheaval.