Nothung 1973 by Anselm Kiefer
Nothung (1973)
A powerful work from Kiefer's early career, referencing Wagner's mythic sword while establishing his signature visual language of dense impasto and historical confrontation.
About This Work
Created in 1973, Nothung represents Anselm Kiefer's transformative engagement with German history and mythology. The title references the sword from Wagner's Ring cycle, yet Kiefer's treatment moves beyond literal representation into a realm of material and conceptual density. This work emerged during a period when Kiefer was developing his signature style of thick, textured surfaces that would define Neo-Expressionism.
The painting's layered composition reflects Kiefer's process of applying oil paint, sand, and straw to create surfaces that embody the weight of history. At 30×40 cm, this framed print captures the original work's intensity while allowing the intricate textural details to remain visible. The monochromatic palette dominated by blacks and grays conveys the solemnity that characterizes much of Kiefer's oeuvre from this period.
The Artist's Period
Nothung belongs to Kiefer's crucial early period when he was establishing his position in the postwar German art scene. This was a time when Kiefer began confronting Germany's complex cultural inheritance through visual means, moving beyond the minimalism that dominated the European art world in the late 1960s. The work's reference to Wagner's mythic sword carries particular resonance given the composer's controversial place in German cultural history.
Kiefer's approach during this period was characterized by a rejection of aesthetic purity in favor of works that bore the marks of their creation. The physicality of Nothung—with its dense application of materials—reflects this period's emphasis on process and the tangible presence of the artist's hand. This work sits within Kiefer's broader project of creating art that would, in his words, "bear the weight of history" without resorting to direct representation.
The power of Nothung lies not in its depiction of the legendary sword, but in how Kiefer transforms this cultural reference into a meditation on the burdens of German identity—a theme that would occupy him throughout his career.
Artistic Technique
Material Application
Kiefer's technique in Nothung involves building up the surface with oil paint mixed with sand and straw, creating a textured field that absorbs and reflects light unevenly. This method produces what art historians describe as a "palimpsest effect," where the physical layers mirror the accumulated layers of historical meaning.
Monochromatic Palette
The restricted color scheme of blacks, grays, and whites serves multiple purposes: it references the ash and ruin of postwar Germany, creates visual coherence across the textured surface, and focuses attention on the material qualities of the work rather than representational content. The absence of color becomes an active compositional element.
Print & Frame Details
| Artist | Anselm Kiefer |
| Original Year | 1973 |
| Art Style | Neo-Expressionism |
| Subject Matter | Abstract Composition |
| Size | 30×40 cm (12×16") |
| Print Method | Framed Poster |
| Paper | 300gsm cotton rag with archival pigment inks |
| Frame | 2.5cm matte black solid wood |
| Glazing | UV-protective acrylic |
| Shipping | Free worldwide, 5–10 business days |
| Returns | 30-day return policy for store credit |
Own This Powerful Neo-Expressionist Statement
The framed print captures Kiefer's original texture and intensity, with museum-quality materials and free worldwide shipping. Each piece arrives ready to hang with archival mounting and UV-protection glazing.
View Print DetailsInterior Design Guide
The monochromatic palette and textural qualities of Nothung make it particularly effective in contemporary spaces with neutral color schemes. The 30×40 cm size works well above console tables or as part of a gallery wall arrangement. The work's intensity suggests placement in spaces meant for reflection—studies, libraries, or above fireplaces—where its historical resonance can be contemplated. Pair with matte black furniture and textured fabrics to complement the print's surface qualities.
Each print arrives with a premium 2.5cm (1 inch) solid wood frame in a matte black finish, chosen to complement the artwork's intensity. The frame features archival-quality mounting and UV-protection glazing.
We offer free worldwide shipping to all countries with no minimum order. Delivery typically takes 5–10 business days to North America and Europe, and 7–14 business days to all other regions.
Our prints are produced using archival pigment inks on 300gsm cotton rag paper, with an estimated lifespan of 100+ years under normal lighting conditions. The UV-protective glazing further preserves color integrity.
We accept returns within 30 days of delivery for store credit or exchange. The original shipping box must be used for returns, and customers are responsible for return shipping costs.
More Works by Anselm Kiefer
Explore other significant pieces from Kiefer's career, each capturing his distinctive approach to material and cultural memory.
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Own this piece of Neo-Expressionist history with our museum-quality framing, free worldwide shipping, and 5–10 day delivery. Each print arrives ready to hang and display.
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