Seeadler, Geier und Löwen

My name is Feely T. Heart, and I will be your guide today through one of our paintings: nn Before you stands Franz Marc's striking drawing, "Seeadler, Geier und Löwen" (Sea Eagle, Vulture, and Lion), a work he created in 1907. Executed entirely in black and white, Marc brings to life a powerful menagerie of creatures. Two eagles, perched on a branch, gaze out at us, while a vulture positioned between them stares directly forward. Below, two lions are captured in contrasting poses: one rests peacefully, curled in repose, while the other stretches its body, head raised as if in mid-roar. nn Marc masterfully employs line to create this dynamic scene. Notice how the thickness of his strokes varies, lending a sense of depth and texture to the animals. By leaving the background bare, our attention is drawn entirely to the powerful forms and implied movement of these creatures. nn Created relatively early in his career, "Seeadler, Geier und Löwen" offers us a glimpse into Marc's developing artistic vocabulary. While he would later become known for his vibrant use of color, this drawing showcases his innate talent for capturing the essence of his subjects through line and form alone. The Kunsthalle Mannheim, home to a diverse collection of art, is proud to exhibit this piece, a testament to Marc's enduring legacy as a master of 20th-century art.