Who painted Tänzerinnen (Dancers)?

Tänzerinnen (Dancers) was painted by Lovis Corinth in 1895.

Where can I see Tänzerinnen (Dancers)?

Tänzerinnen (Dancers) is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Tänzerinnen (Dancers)?

Tänzerinnen (Dancers) is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

Tänzerinnen (Dancers)

Lovis Corinth , 1895

Tänzerinnen (Dancers) is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Lovis Corinth. It dates from 1895 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Lovis Corinth’s 1895 print “Tänzerinnen” (Dancers) presents three women caught in mid‑movement, their gowns swelling as they turn. Executed in black on Van Gelder Zonen laid paper, the work combines etching, soft‑ground etching, and roulette to render a lively scene of synchronized motion.

Subject & Meaning

The composition focuses on the communal joy of dance, emphasizing the fluidity of the figures’ bodies and the interplay of their garments. The dancers’ graceful gestures and interlocking poses suggest a shared rhythm, highlighting the pleasure derived from collective movement and the elegance of feminine form.

Technique & Style

Corinth employs a blend of traditional etching, soft‑ground techniques, and roulette textures, allowing delicate lines to define the contours of the dresses while cross‑hatching creates depth. The restrained black palette and careful modulation of light and shadow convey both the weight of fabric and the fleeting quality of motion.

History & Provenance

Created in the late nineteenth century, the print reflects Corinth’s early interest in figurative subjects before his later expressionist phase. It was produced on high‑quality Van Gelder Zonen laid paper, a material favored by German printmakers of the period, and has circulated among private collections and museum holdings since its issuance.