Artwork

Kirchhof (Cemetery)

Kirchhof (Cemetery), by Lovis Corinth, ink, 1916
Kirchhof (Cemetery), by Lovis Corinth, ink, 1916

Kirchhof (Cemetery) is an ink print by Lovis Corinth. It dates from 1916 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Lovis Corinth’s 1916 lithograph titled *Kirchhof (Cemetery)* depicts a modest stone church and its surrounding burial ground. Executed in black on laid paper, the print presents a stark, graphic composition that emphasizes line and form over color, characteristic of the medium’s monochrome possibilities.

Subject & Meaning

The scene centers on an old church with a steep, pointed roof, its arched windows hinting at a quiet interior. A wrought‑iron fence encloses a modest cemetery, where uneven, simple gravestones rise from the ground, conveying a somber, contemplative atmosphere.

Technique & Style

Corinth employs rapid, sketch‑like strokes, allowing portions of the image to remain loosely rendered while other elements—such as the fence and church outline—are more sharply defined. This juxtaposition of rough and precise lines reflects his post‑stroke shift toward looser, more expressive handling of form.

History & Provenance

Created during Corinth’s later period, the lithograph follows his 1911 stroke, a turning point that prompted a move away from naturalistic detail toward a synthesis of impressionist lightness and expressionist vigor. The artist’s signature appears in small lettering at the lower right, confirming authorship.

Context

By 1916, Corinth was integrating the graphic immediacy of printmaking with the emotional intensity of his paintings. The choice of lithography—a medium that captures spontaneous drawing—mirrors his broader artistic aim to fuse observation with personal response.

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.