Gerhard Marcks is one of the most important sculptors of the 20th century. In the 1920s, under the influence of Greek archaism, he arrived at a strictly simplified formal language that never disregards human nature. His figures are regarded as the epitome of a sculptural art that draws on classical traditions and at the same time is modern. Marcks drew his themes from the domestic genre, from religion and mythology. His figures never appear heroic or pathetic, but reflect basic human moods, often a quiet demeanor. His drawings function primarily as aids to sculptural work. Usually created during model sessions, they circle around a pictorial idea in ever new views in search of the final form. Often it is the whole figure that is seen from different angles. Quite the sculptor, his works on paper are characterized by a firm, reduced stroke, which reproduces the outlines with certainty and almost without internal drawing.