Ernst Barlach

(Wedel/Holstein 1870–1938 Rostock)
The Melon Eater, 1907, signed at the bottom on the rocks on the reverse Barlach, bronze, cast after 1949, one of 6 unnumbered casts, 33.5 x 39.5 x 22.5 cm, foundry mark H. NOACK BERLIN

Provenance:
Private Collection, Germany

Literature:
Friedrich Schult, Ernst Barlach, Das Plastische Werk, vol. I, Hamburg 1960, p. 51, no. 64 with b/w-ill. (another cast)
Elisabeth Laur, Ernst Barlach Stiftung (Ed.), Ernst Barlach. Das plastische Werk, Güstrow 2006, p. 103, no. 112 with b/w.-ill. (another cast)

Bert Brecht’s description of The Melon Eater from 1952 underscores Barlach’s reputation in the workers’ and peasants’ state:

“There is then The Melon Eater, a bronze from 1907. In German sculpture of the past centuries, we can hardly find a work that, with such sensual power, has shaped an eater from among the people (Am I wrong? I am grateful for correction). He has seated himself exactly as is best suited for this very activity, and he does not lose himself in his work. One could very well talk with him about working conditions and about a number of other things besides. He may not yet know enough, but at least as an ancestor his class need not be ashamed of him, I think.”

www.barlach-haus.de/museum/sammlung/werke/der-melonenesser-514/