Genesis II (Schopfungsgeschichte II)

Genesis II (Schopfungsgeschichte II) by Franz Marc is a significant print created in 1914, just as the artist’s commitment to abstraction reached its final peak before his death in the war. Classified as a print, this powerful work utilizes the challenging medium of the woodcut, executed primarily through sharp blocks of yellow, black, and green. This piece exemplifies the revolutionary spirit of German Expressionism during the early 1900s, aligning with the pioneering artistic developments occurring between the years 1901 to 1925.

Marc, renowned for his intense color theory and deeply spiritual approach to nature, began simplifying his compositions dramatically in the immediate lead-up to World War I. While retaining elements of his distinctive Cubist-influenced structure, the abstract forms in this work suggest the creation narrative referenced in the title, albeit filtered through a fractured, Expressionist lens characteristic of the period. The tension between the organic subject matter and the hard, geometric execution is highly deliberate, forcing the viewer to confront the emergence of form from chaos. The selection of the woodcut technique further emphasizes the raw power and inherent materiality Marc sought to convey, contrasting the stark black lines with the vibrant, primal tones of yellow and green.

This particular print represents a pivotal moment in Marc’s tragically brief career, demonstrating his mastery of graphic arts beyond his famous oil paintings. His intense focus on fundamental, universal subjects like creation positioned him among the most intellectually rigorous figures in the German art scene. The lasting importance of the work, Genesis II (Schopfungsgeschichte II), is underscored by its inclusion in the collection of the National Gallery of Art, where it serves as a key example of the pioneering abstract prints of the early 20th century.