High-Class

Ernst Barlach

National Gallery of Art

This is a drawing of two figures in a public space. The scene depicts an environment with architectural elements such as stone or brick walls and steps. On the left, a figure cloaked in a draped garment crouches forward holding a small object or piece of paper in their hand, extended towards the second figure. The right side of the drawing features another figure standing on steps, turned slightly towards the first figure, with their arms folded or clasped behind their back. The setting is detailed with cross-hatching and shading techniques that give depth to the textures of stone and fabric.