Horse

The work Horse by Franz Marc is a powerful example of German Expressionist printmaking, rendered using the demanding technique of the woodcut. Created in the early 20th century, this piece reflects Marc’s intense focus on animal subjects, which he viewed as spiritually purer forms of existence than humanity. As a leading member of the Munich-based Der Blaue Reiter (The Blue Rider) movement, Marc sought to infuse his art with spiritual and emotional resonance, often employing simplified, angular forms and a highly symbolic visual language.

The classification of this piece as a print highlights the Expressionists’ renewed interest in graphic media like woodcuts and lithography, favoring raw emotional impact over delicate academic detail. In this composition, Marc utilizes the intrinsic properties of the woodcut process, employing sharp, non-representational contrasts of black and white to define the animal’s structure. The bold, faceted lines characteristic of the technique emphasize energy and dynamic tension, translating the subject matter—the horse—into an abstract, geometric force.

This graphic approach contrasts with Marc's more widely recognized colorful paintings, yet the print maintains the artist's dedication to conveying the inner life and essential form of the creature. This important work exemplifies the radical innovations taking place in Germany prior to World War I. Today, this distinctive print resides in the permanent collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.