Singing Man
| Artist | Ernst Barlach (German, 1870–1938) |
|---|---|
| Title | Singing Man (Singender Mann) |
| Date | 1928 (cast 1938) |
| Medium | Bronze |
| Dimensions | Overall: 20 x 24 in. (50.8 x 61 cm) Object: 19 × 21 1/4 × 14 1/2 in. (48.3 × 54 × 36.8 cm) |
| Credit Line | Gift of James S. Adams, Eskenazi Museum of Art, Indiana University |
| Accession Number | 57.36 |
| This artwork is currently on view. | |
A seated man leans back with his hands clasped around his upraised right knee. The figure appears to be singing with his mouth open and his body in a slightly relaxed state. The sculpture is metallic with a golden-bronze sheen.
Ernst Barlach’s Singing Man (first cast in 1928) is one of the best-known examples of German Expressionist sculpture, which is characterized by figural stylization and exaggerated poses. Although not overtly religious, the closed eyes and upturned face of this figure convey Barlach’s interest in humanity’s striving toward a spiritual state. The emotional power inherent in Barlach’s work led to several commissions for World War I memorials, some of which were placed in churches.
Provenance research is ongoing for this and many other items in the Eskenazi Museum of Art permanent collection. For more information about the provenance of this artwork, please contact the department curator with specific questions.
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"Singing Man | Collections Online." Collections Online. Sidney and Lois Eskenazi Museum of Art, Indiana University, 2025. https://artmuseum.indiana.edu/collections-online/browse/object.php?number=57.36