FRANZ MARC - The Birth Of The Horses

This woodcut is printed at its original size, on an A4 sheet = 29.7cm x 21cm = 11.7" x 8.25"

THE ARTWORK

Franz Marc's "Birth of the Horses" explodes with color and energy, a vibrant contrast to the serenity of "Horses Resting." Created in 1913, this woodcut transcends a traditional birth scene. Marc throws fiery reds and bold greens onto the canvas, capturing the raw power and exhilaration of new life emerging.

Unlike the tranquil forms nestled together in "Horses Resting," the horses here are a flurry of movement. Overlapping shapes and energetic lines suggest the dynamism of creation. This isn't a depiction focused on realism; Marc utilizes color and simplified forms to evoke a sense of spiritual awakening, a celebration of the inherent beauty in the natural world.

A prominent red sun bathes the scene in its warm glow, symbolizing not just light, but the life-giving energy that pulsates through the moment. It's the dawn of something new, a testament to the miracle of birth. Here, Marc reinforces his belief in animals as symbols of purity, a connection between the physical world and the divine. "Birth of the Horses" isn't just a celebration of nature, it's a vibrant tapestry woven with the threads of life and spirit.

THE ARTIST

Franz Marc (1880-1916) was a pioneering German painter and printmaker, renowned for his significant contributions to the Expressionist movement. Born in Munich, Marc initially studied theology before turning to art, influenced by the works of Wassily Kandinsky and other contemporaries. He co-founded the influential group "Der Blaue Reiter" (The Blue Rider) in 1911 with Kandinsky, advocating for spiritual and symbolic art forms.

Marc's style is characterized by vivid colors, bold shapes, and a deep connection to nature, particularly animals. He often depicted animals in a stylized and symbolic manner, believing in their spiritual significance and portraying them as embodiments of emotions and ideas. His paintings like "The Large Blue Horses" and "The Yellow Cow" exemplify this approach, using intense blues, yellows, and greens to evoke a sense of harmony and spirituality.

Tragically, Marc's promising career was cut short after he was drafted into the German Army during World War I and killed in battle at Verdun at the age of 36. Despite his short life, Franz Marc's impact on modern art was profound, influencing subsequent generations of artists and leaving behind a legacy of vibrant, emotionally resonant works that continue to captivate audiences around the world.

THE PRINT

• This woodcut is printed at its original size, on an A4 sheet = 29.7cm x 21cm = 11.7" x 8.25"
• High resolution giclée print - 600dpi
• Printed to order
• Unframed & unmounted
• Professionally printed using Canon imagePROGRAF printers
• Digitally restored by OharaPrints from high resolution scans of the original artwork
• Made in and shipped from Casterton, Victoria, Australia

PAPER

• Canson Infinity - Arches BFK Rives White
• Paper weight = 310gsm
• 100% cotton
• Archival, museum grade
• Acid free
• No OBAs (optical brightening agents)

Arches BFK Rives is a high-quality, archival-grade paper manufactured at the Arches paper mill in France - one of the oldest papermakers in Europe. It is made from 100% cotton rag using a time-honoured manufacturing process, giving the paper exceptional durability, longevity, and resistance to yellowing or deterioration over time. Despite its substantial weight and thickness it maintains a very soft and supple feel. The paper has a natural white tone and is completely free of any optical brighteners (OBAs), allowing for superb colour rendition and deep blacks.

INK

• Canon Lucia Pro Inks
• Pigment based
• Archival, museum-grade
• Brilliant colours, even gradient and razor-sharp lines
• Highly stable and fade resistant, excellent humidity-fastness

SHIPPING & HANDLING

• All orders are dispatched on the NEXT BUSINESS DAY after receiving the order
• All prints are shipped via AUSTRALIA POST with TRACKING
• For postage rates and estimated delivery times please see our SHIPPING page
• All prints are shipped flat, not rolled
• Each print is individually placed into a resealable, archival grade plastic protective sleeve
• Prints are carefully packaged in very sturdy 700gsm cardboard envelopes, along with 1050gsm boxboard sheets which provide extra strength & rigidity to prevent bending or folding during transit