Der Fremde (Der Mann, der die Stadt durchstreift) (1924-25)

Hermann Scherer's woodcut "Der Fremde (Der Mann, der die Stadt durchstreift)" from 1924-25 is a striking exploration of isolation and urban alienation. The composition is centered on the figure of a man, the eponymous "stranger," navigating through a distorted, almost oppressive cityscape. This man, depicted with sharp, angular lines, moves furtively, his hat pulled low over his eyes and his coat buttoned tightly, suggesting a desire to remain unnoticed.Around him, the city's other inhabitants appear locked in their own worlds. To the left, a pair of individuals engage in a seemingly intimate conversation, oblivious to the stranger’s presence. Their faces, carved in sharp, exaggerated expressions, reflect an intense engagement with each other, highlighting the stranger’s exclusion. To the right, a solitary figure encapsulates fear or surprise, further emphasizing the theme of disconnection and societal fragmentation.The stark black-and-white contrasts and the rough, expressive lines of the woodcut technique amplify the emotional intensity of the scene, making the viewer feel the weight of the stranger's isolation amidst the urban chaos.