Artwork

Birkenstämme im Tiergarten (Birch Trees in the Tiergarten)

Birkenstämme im Tiergarten (Birch Trees in the Tiergarten), by Lovis Corinth, ink, 1920
Birkenstämme im Tiergarten (Birch Trees in the Tiergarten), by Lovis Corinth, ink, 1920

Birkenstämme im Tiergarten (Birch Trees in the Tiergarten) is an ink print by Lovis Corinth. It dates from 1920 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Birkenstämme im Tiergarten (Birch Trees in the Tiergarten) is a 1920 drypoint print on Van Gelder Zonen laid paper by Lovis Corinth, a German artist known for his contributions to both painting and printmaking.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a cluster of birch trees characterized by jagged, black lines and twisted, overlapping branches, evoking a sense of density and wildness against a light background.

Technique & Style

Executed in drypoint, the work features quick, sketchy, and urgent marks, reflecting Corinth's post-1911 stylistic shift towards looser, more vibrant techniques, blending impressionist and expressionist elements.

History & Provenance

Created in 1920, following Corinth's leadership of the Berlin Secession and his stylistic transformation after a 1911 stroke, the work's provenance details are not specified in available information.

Context

Birkenstämme im Tiergarten reflects Corinth's later career synthesis of impressionism and expressionism, applied to a landscape theme, contrasting with his earlier, more traditional approaches to art.

Legacy

As part of Corinth's later oeuvre, the print contributes to the broader legacy of early 20th-century German art movements, though its specific impact or notable exhibitions are not detailed in the provided context.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Lovis Corinth

Artist

Lovis Corinth

Lovis Corinth was a German artist and writer whose mature work as a painter and printmaker realized a synthesis of impressionism and expressionism.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.