Das Wiedersehen (Meeting Again)
Artist
Ernst Barlach
(German, 1870 - 1938)
Date1926
MediumBronze
DimensionsOverall: 18 1/2 x 4 3/4 x 7 1/2in. (47 x 12.1 x 19.1cm)
ClassificationsSCULPTURE
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Terms
Object number56.1
On View
Not on viewCollections
CopyrightNo known copyright restrictions.
Label TextErnst Barlach was an artist and writer of a profoundly religious nature who endured censorship at the hands of the Nazis during the 1930s in his native Germany. His figures are reminiscent of German medieval sculptures and, in their humble forms and demeanors, they possess a simple dignity. While Das Wiedershen has been variously interpreted, it undoubtedly was inspired by the Christian story of Jesus' return from the dead and the recognition by the apostle Thomas. The Gospel of John 20:24-29 relates that Thomas had not been present when the resurrected Jesus first re-appeared to his disciples. Upon hearing of this reunion, the skeptical Thomas stated he would not believe unless " I see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the place of the nails, and put my hand into his side." John then reports that Jesus reappeared in another week's time and instructed Thomas to do just that, to which Thomas responded, "My Lord and my God!"
Mary E. Murray
2005
