Lehmbruck Saga,1987
Oil, canvas, Museum Ludwig, Cologne

The image Lehmbruck Saga by Immendorff recalls the work of the sculptor and graphic artist Wilhelm Lehmbruck, whose works are both naturalistic and expressionist. With his sculptures Lehmbruck showed people in his suffering and misery. Under the Nazis, the works were considered degenerate art and were largely destroyed. An impressive work from the rescued inventory is the "Kneeling" (1911). In the picture Lehmbruck Saga the art of Lehmbruck is burned on the theater stage. In the ranks sit acquaintances of Immendorff who indifferently behave and do not perceive the process. The rubble of the sculptures is dumped from the truck with the eagle emblem. In the remains are still the events that were worked up during the shaping of the sculptures. Lehmbruck's sculpture, the "Kniende", hanging from a rope, is delivered to the fire on the stage as the last act. Immendorff shows the image as a mirror of the well-known, established audience.

(own study of the artist's work)