A powerful lithograph by German Expressionist Ernst Barlach, depicting a figure in a raw, emotive state of prayer.

Ernst Barlach, a central figure in German Expressionism, produced this lithograph as part of a series illustrating his own literary work, 'Der Paria'. The image depicts a figure in a state of extreme physical and spiritual distress. Barlach employs a stark, monochromatic palette to focus the viewer on the raw emotional intensity of the subject. The figure is hunched, with limbs contorted in a posture of supplication or agony, reflecting the artist's preoccupation with human suffering and the existential condition.

Barlach's draughtsmanship is characterised by heavy, gestural lines that define the form through shadow and mass rather than precise anatomical detail. The composition is deliberately sparse, removing any background context to ensure the figure remains the sole focus of the viewer's attention. This approach aligns with the Expressionist desire to externalise internal psychological states. The rough, textured quality of the lithographic medium adds a tactile dimension to the work, mirroring the harshness of the subject's experience.

Throughout his career, Barlach explored themes of isolation, faith, and the struggle of the individual against societal forces. This print captures the essence of his graphic style, where simplified forms carry a heavy emotional weight. The figure's upturned head and strained posture suggest a plea directed toward an unseen force, embodying the title's reference to prayer. By stripping away decorative elements, Barlach creates a direct encounter between the viewer and the subject, inviting a contemplation of human vulnerability. This work remains a clear example of the artist's ability to convey complex narratives through minimal visual means, relying on the power of silhouette and the expressive potential of the human form in motion.