Artwork

Untitled

Untitled, by Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, ink, 1919
Untitled, by Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, ink, 1919

Untitled is an ink print by Ernst Ludwig Kirchner. It dates from 1919 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.

About this work

Overview

Untitled is a 1919 woodcut print by Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, a key figure in the German Expressionist movement and co-founder of the influential group Die Brücke.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a man in a hat and coat, holding a cane, positioned before a large, abstract geometric form resembling a mountain or building. The inclusion of the names 'Ludwig Schames Frankfurt' and 'Grafik E.L. Kirchner' adds layers of identity and authorship, though the subject's significance remains interpretative.

Technique & Style

Characterized by bold lines and geometric shapes, the woodcut features a striking black design on a light blue background, exemplifying Kirchner's Expressionist emphasis on emotional intensity through form and color.

History & Provenance

Created during a period of personal and political turmoil in Kirchner's life, the work is now part of The Museum of Modern Art's collection.

Context

Emerging from the tumultuous post-WWI era, this piece reflects the broader Expressionist movement's response to social and political upheaval through distorted, expressive forms.

Legacy

As a work by Kirchner, it contributes to the legacy of Die Brücke and early 20th-century Expressionism, influencing subsequent generations of artists in their exploration of emotional and psychological depth in art.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Ernst Ludwig Kirchner

Artist

Ernst Ludwig Kirchner

Ernst Ludwig Kirchner (6 May 1880 – 15 June 1938) was a German expressionist painter and printmaker.

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