#21312 Lovis Corinth (1858-1925)

The painting presents a scene within what appears to be a butchers shop or slaughterhouse. Here we see several figures engaged in the processing of meat, illuminated by a harsh, diffused light source that casts long shadows and contributes to the overall atmosphere of intensity. The color palette is dominated by warm tones – reds, oranges, and browns – which amplify the visceral nature of the subject matter.
The composition is dense and chaotic; bodies are clustered together, creating a sense of cramped space and relentless activity. A central figure, presumably a butcher, stands with his back to the viewer, manipulating a large piece of meat suspended from a hook. His posture suggests both strength and focused labor. To his left, another man gestures towards a hanging carcass, seemingly directing or instructing. The figures are not idealized; their faces are obscured by shadow or turned away, emphasizing their roles as workers rather than individuals.
The artist employed loose brushstrokes and impasto techniques, which contribute to the painting’s textural richness and convey a sense of immediacy. The surface is thick with paint, creating a palpable physicality that mirrors the raw materiality of the subject. Splatters and drips of red pigment are scattered across the floor and walls, further emphasizing the bloody nature of the work.
Beyond the literal depiction of butchery, the painting seems to explore themes of labor, industry, and perhaps even mortality. The repetitive actions and anonymous figures suggest a dehumanizing effect of industrial processes. The intense lighting and saturated colors evoke a feeling of unease or discomfort, prompting reflection on the relationship between humans and their sustenance. A window is visible in the background, offering a glimpse of an exterior world bathed in brighter light, which serves as a stark contrast to the somber interior scene. This juxtaposition may symbolize the separation between the laboring class and those who benefit from their efforts, or perhaps allude to a longing for escape from the harsh realities of work.