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Ernst Barlach Most Popular Paintings

The 12 artworks by Ernst Barlach our visitors ask for most, ranked by popularity and presented one by one, with the specification and the price of each hand-painted reproduction.

Edition 2026 · 12 artworks Each artwork painted to order
Linen canvas · Certificate of authenticity · Delivered worldwide Ernst Barlach · 1870 – 1938

Frenzy (Der Berserker) by Ernst Barlach

1910 · Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City

Ernst Barlach’s ‘Frenzy (Der Berserker)’ is a monumental bronze sculpture created in 1910, capturing the essence of revolutionary fervor inspired by Norse mythology. Its depiction of a seated warrior embodies anguish and despair, symbolizing resistance against oppression.

View the most popular artwork of Ernst Barlach ranked #1: Frenzy (Der Berserker)

Art Movement: Expressionist

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Man in Ecstasy, 1912, Ernst Barlach

1912 · Aichi Prefectural Museum of Art, Nagoya · original 31 x 46 cm

View the most popular artwork of Ernst Barlach ranked #2: Man in Ecstasy

Art Movement: Expressionism
Color Palette: Neutrals

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 2 of 12 artworks by Ernst Barlach
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17828 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$19131 × 46 cm Commission at original size

The Flutist by Ernst Barlach, 1936

1936 · Lehmbruck Museum, Düsseldorf · original 36 x 58 cm

View the most popular artwork of Ernst Barlach ranked #3: The Flutist

Art Movement: Expressionism
Color Palette: Neutrals

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 3 of 12 artworks by Ernst Barlach
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17826 × 39 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$21136 × 58 cm Commission at original size

Panic Terror – Ernst Barlach

1912 · Staatliche Kunsthalle Karlsruhe, Carlsruhe

This Expressionist wood sculpture by Ernst Barlach depicts a visceral struggle. Discover the raw emotion of Panic Terror today.

View the most popular artwork of Ernst Barlach ranked #4: Panic Terror

Art Movement: Contemporary Expressionism
Color Palette: Neutrals

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The Singing Man, 1928, Ernst Barlach

1928

View the most popular artwork of Ernst Barlach ranked #5: The Singing Man

Art Movement: Expressionism
Color Palette: Neutrals

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 5 of 12 artworks by Ernst Barlach
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17837 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

Untitled (727)

Art Movement: Expressionism
Color Palette: Neutrals

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 6 of 12 artworks by Ernst Barlach
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17822 × 45 cm Commission this artwork

Shepherd in a Storm by Ernst Barlach, 1908

1908 · Kunsthalle Bremen, Bremen · original 50 x 46 cm

A powerful German Expressionist sculpture by Ernst Barlach depicting a resilient shepherd battling life's storms alongside his loyal dog, offering a profound sense of depth for your private collection.

View the most popular artwork of Ernst Barlach ranked #7: Shepherd in a Storm

Art Movement: German Expressionism
Color Palette: Pastels

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Untitled (305)

Art Movement: Expressionism
Color Palette: Neutrals

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 8 of 12 artworks by Ernst Barlach
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17826 × 38 cm Commission this artwork

Untitled (207)

Art Movement: Expressionism
Color Palette: Neutrals

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 9 of 12 artworks by Ernst Barlach
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17829 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Untitled (902)

Art Movement: Expressionism
Color Palette: Neutrals

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 10 of 12 artworks by Ernst Barlach
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17845 × 22 cm Commission this artwork

Untitled (646)

Art Movement: Expressionism
Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 11 of 12 artworks by Ernst Barlach
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17833 × 31 cm Commission this artwork

Untitled (855)

Art Movement: Expressionism
Color Palette: Neutrals

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 12 of 12 artworks by Ernst Barlach
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17833 × 30 cm Commission this artwork

The artist

Ernst Barlach

1870 – 1938

Quick facts

Born1870
Topics exploredsculpture
Vibedramatic
Museums on APSKunsthalle Bremen, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Staatliche Kunsthalle Karlsruhe, Aichi Prefectural Museum of Art, Lehmbruck Museum
Top 3 worksFrenzy (Der Berserker), Man in Ecstasy, The Flutist
Color intensitymonochromatic
Typical colorswhite
Room fitliving room

Biography

Ernst Barlach: Life and Legacy

Early Life and Education

Born in Wedel, Holstein (Germany) on January 2nd, 1870, Ernst Heinrich Barlach was the eldest of four sons.
His father, Dr. Georg Barlach, was a physician who died when Ernst was fourteen, leading to a move with his family.
He received his early education in Ratzeburg and Schönberg, growing up in a devout Lutheran household.
Barlach began his artistic training at the Gewerbeschule Hamburg (Hamburg School of Applied Arts) from 1888 to 1891.
He continued his studies at the Königliche Akademie der bildenden Künste zu Dresden (Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Dresden) between 1891 and 1895, creating his first major sculpture, Die Krautpflückerin (The Herb Plucker).
He briefly studied at the Académie Julian in Paris from 1895 to 1897 but remained critical of simply copying French styles.

Artistic Development and Influences

Initially, Barlach worked in an Art Nouveau style, creating illustrations for the magazine Jugend and ceramic sculptures.
A pivotal trip to Russia in 1906 profoundly influenced his artistic direction, exposing him to new perspectives and a more expressive aesthetic.
Financial support from art dealer Paul Cassirer allowed Barlach to develop his unique style, focusing on the emotional intensity of human figures.
He drew inspiration from early Gothic art, particularly its dramatic drapery and spiritual yearning.
Barlach’s work also reflects influences from Russian folk art and a growing interest in portraying the lives of ordinary people.

Key Themes and Artistic Style

Barlach's sculptures, prints, and writings often explored themes of human suffering, spiritual longing, and social injustice.
His figures are characterized by their elongated forms, expressive gestures, and a sense of inner turmoil.
He frequently used wood carving and bronze as his primary mediums, emphasizing the tactile qualities of these materials.
The Singing Man, Frenzy (Der Berserker), and Shepherd in a Storm are examples of his emotionally charged and symbolic works.

World War I and its Aftermath

Initially, Barlach was a patriotic supporter of World War I, anticipating artistic renewal through conflict.
His experience as an infantry soldier from 1915 to 1916 profoundly changed his views, transforming him into a staunch pacifist.
The horrors of war became a central theme in his subsequent work, leading to powerful anti-war sculptures like Der Rächer (The Avenger).

Recognition and Controversy

Barlach gained significant recognition after the war, becoming a member of prestigious art academies in Prussia and Munich.
However, his anti-war stance and expressive style drew criticism during the rise of Nazism.
His works were labeled as “degenerate art” by the Nazi regime and confiscated from museums.
The Magdeburg Cenotaph, a WWI memorial depicting the pain and futility of war, sparked intense controversy and was temporarily removed.

Legacy and Historical Significance

Ernst Barlach died in Güstrow, Mecklenburg, on October 24th, 1938, but his artistic legacy endures.
He is considered one of the most important German Expressionist sculptors of the 20th century.
His work continues to resonate with audiences today, offering a powerful commentary on the human condition and the devastating consequences of war.
Barlach’s commitment to artistic integrity in the face of political oppression makes him an important figure in art history.

Questions & Answers

Where are Ernst Barlach's artworks grouped by keywords?

Ernst Barlach's works can be explored by keyword on the artist's By Keywords page. Each keyword groups the related artworks.

How did Ernst Barlach's art evolve over time?

The Chronicle of Ernst Barlach is a scroll-driven timeline that presents the artist's works in chronological order, grouped into career-period chapters.

How popular are Ernst Barlach's artworks?

Statistics about Ernst Barlach's works are available on the artist's Stats page.

By the TopImpressionists.com Editorial Team Updated Sept. 5, 2026

Collector's quiz

Ernst Barlach's artistic focus shifted dramatically after his experience in World War I. What became a central theme in his post-war work?
During the Nazi regime, how were Barlach's artworks treated?
Barlach's early career included work in what style before he developed his Expressionist voice?
What significantly influenced Barlach's artistic style after his travels in 1906?
The Magdeburg Cenotaph, one of Barlach's most controversial works, was intended to be a WWI memorial. What made it so contentious?

one You choose the size

Standard formats or any custom dimension, matched to the proportions of the original.

two We paint and send a preview

A photo of the finished canvas for your approval before it is shipped.

three Delivered, certified

Rolled, stretched or framed, insured, with a certificate of authenticity.

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All artworks by Ernst Barlach