A dramatic lithograph by Ernst Barlach illustrating the frantic escape from Goethe's ballad, Der Erlkönig, using bold, gestural marks.

This lithograph by Ernst Barlach is part of a series illustrating Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's famous ballad, Der Erlkönig. Barlach, a sculptor and graphic artist, brings his characteristic focus on mass and movement to this print. The composition captures the frantic energy of the father and son as they ride through the night, fleeing the supernatural presence of the Elfin King.

Barlach uses heavy, gestural marks to convey the turbulence of the scene. The dark, swirling forms suggest the wind and the oppressive atmosphere of the forest, while the figures of the horse and riders are rendered with a sense of urgency. The contrast between the deep black ink and the light paper creates a stark, dramatic effect that aligns with the emotional intensity of the poem. Unlike more literal interpretations of the ballad, Barlach focuses on the psychological weight of the narrative. The forms are simplified, prioritising the raw feeling of the chase over anatomical precision.

This work demonstrates Barlach's ability to translate literary themes into a visual language that relies on shadow and form. The lithographic process allows for a soft, charcoal-like texture, which adds to the dreamlike and unsettling quality of the image. It is a clear example of the Expressionist interest in subjective experience and the darker aspects of folklore. The print remains a compelling study of motion and tension, stripped of unnecessary detail to focus on the core narrative of fear and escape.