Animal Legend (Tierlegende)

Animal Legend (Tierlegende) is a seminal woodcut created by Franz Marc in 1912. Executed on delicate Japan paper, the print demonstrates the artist's profound commitment to Expressionism, particularly his spiritual philosophy concerning the purity and symbolic life of animals. This work dates from a crucial moment in art history, falling within the 1901 to 1925 period, when Marc was a leading figure in the German avant-garde and a co-founder of the influential Der Blaue Reiter movement.

Characteristic of the Expressionist period, this print utilizes the woodcut medium for its raw power and inherent simplicity. Marc employed stark contrasts and powerful, reductive forms, eschewing decorative detail in favor of conveying the essence of the "legendary" subject matter. Unlike his colorful, oil-painted canvases, the woodcut forces an emphasis on line and structure, amplifying the sense of energy and fragmentation that defined his quest for a new, spiritualized visual language. The resulting composition transcends simple depiction, transforming the natural forms of animals into symbolic entities expressive of universal truths.

Marc viewed animals as more authentic and spiritually evolved than humanity, and much of his mature output was dedicated to capturing this purity. In Tierlegende, the artist uses abstracted and interlocking shapes to construct a dense world of natural power. This approach represents a decisive step toward abstraction, solidifying Marc’s reputation as one of the most innovative Expressionist masters working with modern prints.

This important piece of early 20th-century graphic art is permanently held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. As a major contribution to Expressionism from the 1901 to 1925 period, the work remains significant for scholars and enthusiasts. High-resolution images of such historic prints are frequently made available through public domain initiatives, ensuring this legacy of Franz Marc is accessible globally.