WAS GOD DEAD | Bowden Collections

ABOUT THIS COLLECTION

CALENDAR

GALLERY

LISTING OF ARTWORK

“God is dead…And we have killed him.”

—Nietzsche, The Gay Science, 1882

“Could it be possible? This old saint in the forest has not yet heard anything of this, that God is dead!”

—Nietzsche, Thus Spoke Zarathustra, 1891

In the first decades of the twentieth century, the writings of the atheistic philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche were a powerful inspiration for the artistic and literary avant-garde communities in Berlin, Dresden, and Munich. His exuberant affirmation of the “vital forces” of life, anti-authoritarian iconoclasm, and withering condemnation of Christianity inspired artists and writers in their search for a new future that would liberate humanity from the suffocating aesthetic, cultural, political, and religious conventions derived from the Judeo-Christian tradition.

Yet, why does biblical imagery saturate Expressionist literature and the visual arts? Was God Dead? Biblical Imagination in German Expressionist Prints explores this question through a broad survey of nearly fifty works from such important artists as Max Beckmann, Lovis Corinth, Kathë Kollwitz, Otto Dix, Christian Rohlfs, Schmidt-Rottloff, Vassily Kandinsky, and Edvard Munch, among many other important representatives of Expressionism, including key members of the influential avant-garde movements Die Brücke and Der Blaue Reiter.

Was God Dead? demonstrates the important role that Biblical imagery played in the German Expressionists’ subject matter, which deepened the impact of their innovations in medium and form.

The exhibition shows the importance of printmaking for the German Expressionists, a medium that had fallen out of favor in advanced artistic circles by the end of the nineteenth century. But, as Ernst Kirchner exclaimed, “There is no better place to get to know an artist than in his graphic work.” Not only was it an intimate and powerful aesthetic medium, printmaking also connected the artists to a distinguished tradition in German art, evidenced by the work of Lucas Cranach, Martin Schongauer, and most importantly, Albrecht Dürer (included in the exhibition). The legacy of the medium was not merely an artistic one, but had revolutionary resonances with the Protestant Reformation, which Luther and Cranach waged through the printing press.

Was God dead? also shows the formal and stylistic impact of native German folk traditions as well as African tribal artifacts (included in the exhibition). The German Expressionists’ interest in appropriating a so-called “primitive” aesthetic was a means to tap into what they hoped was a deeper well of spirituality, feeling, and creative freedom than offered by traditional European aesthetics and culture as preserved by the official art of the academies.

Was God Dead? reveals the continued potential of the Judeo-Christian tradition to influence generations of modern and avant-garde artists. The Bible gave form and expression to the intensity of modern experience, even an experience that, with the catastrophe of the First World War, transformed euphoric optimism into humanity’s potential into the darkest nihilistic despair. These prints show that for the German Expressionists, God was very much alive.

This show contains:

Over 50 prints, exact number to be determined
Digital files for each print
Digital file for the printing of a handout
Text for labels and didactic panels
Packing and shipping instructions
Insurance in transit

One free catalog for display
Availability of show catalog for sale

This show rents for $1000 for four weeks. With the rental of two months, the third is offered at no charge.

Read this August 2022 article from MyPlainView.com

Written By Hannah Wells, Wayland Baptist University Fine Arts Department

Biblical Imagination in German Expressionist Prints at Abraham Art Gallery

[read]

"Was God Dead? Biblical Imagination and German Expressionist Prints is a wonderful show that we have been so proud to host. Students and faculty have been truly energized by the work on display. The printmaking class made small lino carved and printed responses to favorite themes in the show, drawing classes, art history…you name it…everybody loves it. Thank you for being such a keeper of our culture with all the shows you send out."

-- Hershall Seals, University of Mary Harden Baker

August 15 - November 15, 2025

Union University

1050 Union University Drive

Jackson, TN 38305

Haelim Allen, hallen@uu.edu

(731) 661-5046

February 15 to October 15, 2024

BYU Museum of Art 470 MOA

North Campus Drive Provo, Utah 84602

Contact: Janalee Emmer
janalee_emmer@byu.edu

Phone: 801.422.3297

August 15 to December 30, 2023

Belmont University

1900 Belmont Boulevard

Nashville, TN 37212

Contact: Dr. Todd Lake, todd.lake@belmont.edu

615 460 6628

November 1, 2022 to Feb 7, 2023

Roberts Wesleyan College Gallery

2301 Westside Dr Rochester NY 14624

Contact: Scot Bennett, Bennett_Scot@roberts.edu

July 15 to October 15 2022

Wayland University

1900 West 7th St Plainville, TX 79072

Candace Keller kellerc@wbu.edu (806) 291-1083

March 25, 2021 –May 9, 2021

John Brown University

Windgate Gallery

2000 W University St Siloam Springs AR 72761

Bobby C. Martin, Professor of Visual Art/Gallery Dir. 918-207-5970

bmartin@jbu.edu

February 15 to March 12, 2021

University of Mary Hardin-Baylor

College of Visual and Performing Arts

900 College Street

Belton, TX 76513

Contact: Hershall Seals, hseals@umhb.edu

August 1 to December 31, 2020

Gordon Conwell Seminary

14542 Chaoate Circle,

Charlotte, NC 28273

Contact: Michelle Littlejohn, dlittlejohn@gordonconwell.com

704 527 9909

March 16 – April 14, 2020

First Presbyterian Church

300 West Wayne Street Fort Wayne IN 46802 260-426-7421 Fax. 260-422-5111

Contact: Sarah Savage savage2426@gmail.com

260-482-5112

January 6 to March 6, 2020

Gordon College, 255

Grapevine Rd, Wenham, MA

Contact: Bruce Herman Bruce.Herman@gordon.edu

(978) 867-4414

October 5 to December 20, 2019

Messiah College, Aughinbaugh Gallery

One College Avenue

Mechanicsburg, PA 17055

Contact: Brenton Good, bgood@messiah.edu

(717) 571-4039

August 20 to September, 25 2019

University of Rio Grande

218 N. College Ave

Rio Grande OH 45674

(740) 245-7372 Office

Contact: Benjy Davies, bdavies@rio.edu

March 10 to May 10, 2019

Wilshire Baptist Church

4316 Abrams Rd,

Dallas, TX 75214

Contact: Mark Wingfield, Associate Pastor (214) 452-3128

mwingfield@wilshirebc.org

January 7 to February 23, 2019

Center Art Gallery | Calvin College

1795 Knollcrest Circle | Grand Rapids, MI 49456

Contact: Brent Williams

Bsw6@calvin.edue | 616-526-6947

This collection is divided into several categories or themes.

Death (5)
13. Totentanz (Dance of Death)
Ernst Barlach (1870-1938) Germany
Lithograph
1916

14. Mors Imperator (Emperor Death)
Ernst Barlach (1870-1938) Germany
Woodblock print 30/100, signed
1919

15. Tod un Frau um das Kind ringend (Death and Woman Struggling over Child)
Kathë Kollwitz (1867 – 1945) Germany
Etching, soft ground etching, and aquatint, with drypoint, on cream wove paper
1911

16. Inspiration
Kathë Kollwitz (1867 – 1945) Germany
Etching, soft ground etching, and aquatint, with drypoint, on cream wove paper
1907

17. Aus dem Camposanto/From the Holy Field
Richard Seewald (1889 – 1976) Germany
Woodcut
1922
Kathë Kollwitz, Aus vielen Wunden blutest du, o Volk (You Bleed from Many Wounds, O People), etching, 1896
Kathë Kollwitz, Death, Woman and Child, etching, 1911

Richard Seewald, Aus dem Camposanto (From the Holy Field), woodcut, 1922
Ernst Barlach, Dance of Death, lithograph

Franz Masereel, Funeral Scene, Woodcut, 1956
1 - 5
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Life of Christ (10)
18. Visitation (Mary and Elizabeth)
Kathë Kollwitz (1867 – 1945) Germany
Woodcut
1928

19. Der Säugling (Infant)
Max Pechstein (1881 – 1955) Germany
Woodcut
1918

20. Die Heilligen drei Könige/The Three Kings
Christian Rohlfs (1849 - 1938) Germany
Woodcut
1910

21. Rast auf der Flucht nach Ägypten (Rest on Flight to Egypt),
Oskar Kokoschka (1886 – 1980 Austria
Lithograph from the Series Die Passion
1916

22. Taufe Christi (Baptism of Christ)
Karl Caspar (1870 – 1956) Germany
Lithograph
1917

23. Petri Fischzug (Great Catch of Fishes)
Karl Schmidt-Rottluff (1884 – 1976) Germany
Original Woodcut
1918

24. Christus unter den Frauen (Christ among the Women)
Karl Schmidt-Rottluff (1884 – 1976) Germany
Woodcut, signed and numbered
1919

25. Rückkehr des verlorenen Sohnes (Return of the Prodigal Son)
Christian Rohlfs (1849 - 1938) Germany
Woodcut
1916

26. Der Hirte (The Shepherd)
Richard Seewald (1889 – 1976) Germany
Woodcut
1919

27. Man by a Well
Max Kaus (1891 – 1977) Germany
Lithograph
1918
Johannes Theil, Der Kinderfreund (The Children’s Friend), drypoint
Christian Rohlfs, Return of the Prodigal Son, woodcut, 1916
Ernst Barlach, Anno Domini, Lithograph, 1916

Richard Seewald, The Shepherd, woodcut, 1919

Karl Schmidt-Rottluff, Great Catch of Fishes, woodcut, 1918

Alfred Kubin, Flight to Egypt, lithograph, 1920

Kathë Kollwitz, Visitation, woodcut, 1928

Oscar Kokoschka, Flight to Egypt, lithograph, 1916

Karl Caspar, Baptism of Christ, 1917

Karl Caspar, Visitation, lithograph, 1920

1 - 10
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Passion of Christ (12)
28. Das Abendmahl (The Last Supper)
Oskar Kokoschka (1886 – 1980) Austria
Lithograph from the Series Die Passion
1916

29. Christus am Ölberg (Jesus on the Mount of Olives)
Oskar Kokoschka (1886 – 1980) Austria
Lithograph from the Series Die Passion
1916

30. Gethsemane
Otto Dix (1891 – 1969) Austria
Lithograph from Matthäus Evangelium
1960

31. Der Judakuss (The Kiss of Judas)
Oskar Kokoschka (1886 – 1980 Austria
Lithograh from the Series Die Passion
1916

32. Christus und Pilatus (Christ Before Pilate)
Max Beckmann (1894 – 1950) Germany
Lithograph from Day and Dream
1946

33. Christ Carrying the Cross
Otto Dix (1891-1969) Germany
Lithograph
1960

34. Christus am Kreuz (Christ on the Cross)
Oskar Kokoschka (1886 – 1980) Austria
Lithograph
1916

35. Kreuztraung (Crucifixion)
Lovis Corinth (1858 – 1925) Germany
Woodcut
1919

36. Kreuzingung (Crucifixion)
Lovis Corinth (1858 – 1925) Germany
Drypoint
1921/22

37. Crucifixion
Franz Masereel (1889 – 1972) Belgium
Woodcut
1924

38. Beweinung Christi/Pietà (Winching Christ/Pietà)
Lovis Corinth (1858 – 1925) Germany
Etching and drypoint
1920

39. Auferstehung (The Resurrection)
Oskar Kokoschka (1886 – 1980 Austria
Lithograph from Die Passion, signed
1916
Oscar Kokoschka, Cristus am Ölberg (Gethsemane), lithograph, 1916

Max Beckmann, Christus und Pilatus (Christ and Pilate), lithograph, 1946
Lovis Corinth, Christ Carrying the Cross, lithograph, 1923

Lovis Corinth, Pietà, drypoint, 1921/22

Lovis Corinth, Crucifixion, drypoint, 1921/22

Oscar Kokoschka, Last Supper, lithograph, 1916

Oscar Kokoschka, Kreuzingung (Crucifixion), lithograph, 1916

Otto Dix, Last Supper, lithograph, 1960

Oscar Kokoschka, The Kiss, lithograph, 1916

1 - 9
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Old Testament (12)
40. Die Felsen (The Rocks)
Ernst Barlach (1870-1938) Germany
Woodcut from Transformations of God
1920

41. Die Vertreibung aus dem Paradies (Expulsion from Paradise)
Lovis Corinth (1858 – 1925) Germany
Lithograph
1920/21

42. Austreibung aus dem Paradies (Expulsion from Paradise)
Christian Rohlfs (1849 - 1938) Germany
Woodcut with hand-colored paint applied
1919

43. Kain (Cain)
Lovis Corinth (1858 – 1925) Germany
1915
Lithograph

44. Wanderer
Edvard Munch (1863 – 1944) Norway
Woodcut
1957

45. Sacrificial Lamb
Otto Dix (1891 – 1969) Germany
Lithograph
1960

46. Abraham and Isaak
Otto Dix (1891 – 1969) Germany
Lithograph
1960

47. Jacob ringt mit dem Engel (Jacob with the Angel)
Max Beckmann (1894 – 1950) Germany
Etching
1920

48. Beratung (Advice)
Christian Rohlfs (1849 - 1938) Germany
Woodcut
1913

49. Jeremias (Jeremiah)
Alfred Kubin (1877 – 1959) Austria
Lithograph
1921

50. Elias in der Wüste (Elijah in the Desert)
Christian Rohlfs (1849 - 1938) Germany
Woodcut
1912

51. Absaloms Tod (Absalom’s Death)
Oskar Kokoschka (1886 – 1980) Austria
Lithograph, hand signed and numbered
1966-9
Ernst Barlach, First Day of Creation, woodcut, 1922

Lovis Corinth, Die Vertreibung aus dem Paradies (Expulsion from Paradise), lithograph, 1920/21
Lovis Crointh, Kain (Cain), lithograph, 1915

Otto Dix, Abraham and Isaac, lithograph, 1960

Christian Rohlfs, Elijah in the Desert, woodcut, 1912

Christian Rohlfs, Die Vertreibung aus dem Paradies (Expulsion from Paradise), lithograph, 1919
6 - 6
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Heads (8)
5. Koph (Head of a Man)
Max Kaus (1891 – 1977) Germany
Woodblock
1920

6. Maske
Max Pechstein (1881 – 1955) Germany
Woodcut
1918

7. Koph (Head of Christ)
Karl Schmidt-Rottluff (1884 – 1976) Germany
Woodcut
1918

8. Judas
Max Pechstein (1881 – 1955) Germany
Woodcut
1919

9. The Little Prophetess
Karl Schmidt-Rottluff (1884 – 1976) Germany
Woodcut
1919

10. Christus
Otto Dix (1891 – 1969) Germany
Lithograph
1957

11. How Josua Grübler found his way
Ernst Ludwig Kirchner (1880 – 1938) Germany
Woodcut from Neben der Heerstrasse
1923

12. Nachbarsleute (Neighbors)
Emil Nolde (1867 – 1956) Denmark-Germany
Woodcut
1925
Apocalypse (5)
52. Kölner Engel (Cologne Angel)
Gerhard Marcks (1889 – 1981) Germany
Woodcut
1946

53. Jüngstes Gericht (Last Judgement)
Wassily Kandinsky (1866-1944) Russia/Germany
Woodcut
1911

54. Freude, schöner Götterfunken (Ode to Joy)
Ernst Barlach (1870-1938) Germany
Woodcut
1927

55. Erst Sieg, dann Frieden (First Victory, then Peace)
Ernst Barlach (1870-1938) Germany
Lithograph
1914

56. Johannes auf Patmos (St. John on Patmos)
Karl Caspar (1879 - 1956) Germany
Lithograph, pulished in first book of Genesis
1919
Books (5)
57. Neben der Heerstrasse
Max Kaus (1891 – 1977) Germany
Book with 23 woodcuts by Kaus
1923

58. Oscar Kokoschka
Oskar Kokoschka (1886 – 1980)
(Book with 2 lithographs)
Girl with Flute
Nude

59. Der ewige Jude (The Eternal Jew)
Franz Masereel (1889 – 1972) Belgium
Book with original woodcuts
1923

60. Matthäus Evangelium Book
Otto Dix (1891 – 1969) Germany
1960
Book with 33 lithographs

61. Die Wandlungen Gotts (Transformations of God)
Ernst Barlach (1870-1938) Germany
Seven Woodcuts
1922
Historic Connections (4)
1. Resurrection
Albrecht Dürer, Germany
Woodcut
1510

2. Supper at Emmaus
Unknown Germany
Woodcut
C 1550

3. Mask
Unknown creator,
Democratic Republic of Congo
Carved wood with pigment
Mid-20th century

4. Dual Figure Mask
Unknown creator, Ivory Coast
Carved wood
20th century

1. Resurrection

Albrecht Dürer, Germany

Woodcut

1510

2. Supper at Emmaus

Unknown Germany

Woodcut

C 1550

3. Mask

Unknown creator,
Democratic Republic of Congo

Carved wood with pigment

Mid-20th century

4. Dual Figure Mask

Unknown creator, Ivory Coast

Carved wood

20th century

Heads
5. Koph (Head of a Man)
Max Kaus (1891 – 1977) Germany
Woodblock
1920

6. Maske
Max Pechstein (1881 – 1955) Germany
Woodcut
1918

7. Koph (Head of Christ)
Karl Schmidt-Rottluff (1884 – 1976) Germany
Woodcut
1918

8. Judas
Max Pechstein (1881 – 1955) Germany
Woodcut
1919

9. The Little Prophetess
Karl Schmidt-Rottluff (1884 – 1976) Germany
Woodcut
1919

10. Christus
Otto Dix (1891 – 1969) Germany
Lithograph
1957

11. How Josua Grübler found his way
Ernst Ludwig Kirchner (1880 – 1938) Germany
Woodcut from Neben der Heerstrasse
1923

12. Nachbarsleute (Neighbors)
Emil Nolde (1867 – 1956) Denmark-Germany
Woodcut
1925
Death
13. Totentanz (Dance of Death)
Ernst Barlach (1870-1938) Germany
Lithograph
1916

14. Mors Imperator (Emperor Death)
Ernst Barlach (1870-1938) Germany
Woodblock print 30/100, signed
1919

15. Tod un Frau um das Kind ringend (Death and Woman Struggling over Child)
Kathë Kollwitz (1867 – 1945) Germany
Etching, soft ground etching, and aquatint, with drypoint, on cream wove paper
1911

16. Inspiration
Kathë Kollwitz (1867 – 1945) Germany
Etching, soft ground etching, and aquatint, with drypoint, on cream wove paper
1907

17. Aus dem Camposanto/From the Holy Field
Richard Seewald (1889 – 1976) Germany
Woodcut
1922
Life of Christ
18. Visitation (Mary and Elizabeth)
Kathë Kollwitz (1867 – 1945) Germany
Woodcut
1928

19. Der Säugling (Infant)
Max Pechstein (1881 – 1955) Germany
Woodcut
1918

20. Die Heilligen drei Könige/The Three Kings
Christian Rohlfs (1849 - 1938) Germany
Woodcut
1910

21. Rast auf der Flucht nach Ägypten (Rest on Flight to Egypt),
Oskar Kokoschka (1886 – 1980 Austria
Lithograph from the Series Die Passion
1916

22. Taufe Christi (Baptism of Christ)
Karl Caspar (1870 – 1956) Germany
Lithograph
1917

23. Petri Fischzug (Great Catch of Fishes)
Karl Schmidt-Rottluff (1884 – 1976) Germany
Original Woodcut
1918

24. Christus unter den Frauen (Christ among the Women)
Karl Schmidt-Rottluff (1884 – 1976) Germany
Woodcut, signed and numbered
1919

25. Rückkehr des verlorenen Sohnes (Return of the Prodigal Son)
Christian Rohlfs (1849 - 1938) Germany
Woodcut
1916

26. Der Hirte (The Shepherd)
Richard Seewald (1889 – 1976) Germany
Woodcut
1919

27. Man by a Well
Max Kaus (1891 – 1977) Germany
Lithograph
1918
Passion
28. Das Abendmahl (The Last Supper)
Oskar Kokoschka (1886 – 1980) Austria
Lithograph from the Series Die Passion
1916

29. Christus am Ölberg (Jesus on the Mount of Olives)
Oskar Kokoschka (1886 – 1980) Austria
Lithograph from the Series Die Passion
1916

30. Gethsemane
Otto Dix (1891 – 1969) Austria
Lithograph from Matthäus Evangelium
1960

31. Der Judakuss (The Kiss of Judas)
Oskar Kokoschka (1886 – 1980 Austria
Lithograh from the Series Die Passion
1916

32. Christus und Pilatus (Christ Before Pilate)
Max Beckmann (1894 – 1950) Germany
Lithograph from Day and Dream
1946

33. Christ Carrying the Cross
Otto Dix (1891-1969) Germany
Lithograph
1960

34. Christus am Kreuz (Christ on the Cross)
Oskar Kokoschka (1886 – 1980) Austria
Lithograph
1916

35. Kreuztraung (Crucifixion)
Lovis Corinth (1858 – 1925) Germany
Woodcut
1919

36. Kreuzingung (Crucifixion)
Lovis Corinth (1858 – 1925) Germany
Drypoint
1921/22

37. Crucifixion
Franz Masereel (1889 – 1972) Belgium
Woodcut
1924

38. Beweinung Christi/Pietà (Winching Christ/Pietà)
Lovis Corinth (1858 – 1925) Germany
Etching and drypoint
1920

39. Auferstehung (The Resurrection)
Oskar Kokoschka (1886 – 1980 Austria
Lithograph from Die Passion, signed
1916
Old Testament
40. Die Felsen (The Rocks)
Ernst Barlach (1870-1938) Germany
Woodcut from Transformations of God
1920

41. Die Vertreibung aus dem Paradies (Expulsion from Paradise)
Lovis Corinth (1858 – 1925) Germany
Lithograph
1920/21

42. Austreibung aus dem Paradies (Expulsion from Paradise)
Christian Rohlfs (1849 - 1938) Germany
Woodcut with hand-colored paint applied
1919

43. Kain (Cain)
Lovis Corinth (1858 – 1925) Germany
1915
Lithograph

44. Wanderer
Edvard Munch (1863 – 1944) Norway
Woodcut
1957

45. Sacrificial Lamb
Otto Dix (1891 – 1969) Germany
Lithograph
1960

46. Abraham and Isaak
Otto Dix (1891 – 1969) Germany
Lithograph
1960

47. Jacob ringt mit dem Engel (Jacob with the Angel)
Max Beckmann (1894 – 1950) Germany
Etching
1920

48. Beratung (Advice)
Christian Rohlfs (1849 - 1938) Germany
Woodcut
1913

49. Jeremias (Jeremiah)
Alfred Kubin (1877 – 1959) Austria
Lithograph
1921

50. Elias in der Wüste (Elijah in the Desert)
Christian Rohlfs (1849 - 1938) Germany
Woodcut
1912

51. Absaloms Tod (Absalom’s Death)
Oskar Kokoschka (1886 – 1980) Austria
Lithograph, hand signed and numbered
1966-9
Apocalypse
52. Kölner Engel (Cologne Angel)
Gerhard Marcks (1889 – 1981) Germany
Woodcut
1946

53. Jüngstes Gericht (Last Judgement)
Wassily Kandinsky (1866-1944) Russia/Germany
Woodcut
1911

54. Freude, schöner Götterfunken (Ode to Joy)
Ernst Barlach (1870-1938) Germany
Woodcut
1927

55. Erst Sieg, dann Frieden (First Victory, then Peace)
Ernst Barlach (1870-1938) Germany
Lithograph
1914

56. Johannes auf Patmos (St. John on Patmos)
Karl Caspar (1879 - 1956) Germany
Lithograph, pulished in first book of Genesis
1919
Books
57. Neben der Heerstrasse
Max Kaus (1891 – 1977) Germany
Book with 23 woodcuts by Kaus
1923

58. Oscar Kokoschka
Oskar Kokoschka (1886 – 1980)
(Book with 2 lithographs)
Girl with Flute
Nude

59. Der ewige Jude (The Eternal Jew)
Franz Masereel (1889 – 1972) Belgium
Book with original woodcuts
1923

60. Matthäus Evangelium Book
Otto Dix (1891 – 1969) Germany
1960
Book with 33 lithographs

61. Die Wandlungen Gotts (Transformations of God)
Ernst Barlach (1870-1938) Germany
Seven Woodcuts
1922