Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an ink print by Karl Schmidt-Rottluff. It dates from 1908 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
This untitled lithograph, created by Karl Schmidt-Rottluff around 1908, exemplifies the early expressionist aesthetic of the German artist group Die Brücke, which he co-founded.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a dark, shadowy face illuminated from the side, conveying intense emotion through its bold, simplified forms—a hallmark of Die Brücke’s expressive approach.
Technique & Style
Characterized by thick, uneven brushstrokes resembling scribbles, the work features a predominantly brown and black palette with select lighter accents. The lithographic process, involving ink on a smooth stone, yields rough lines and uneven tones.
History & Provenance
Created circa 1908 by Karl Schmidt-Rottluff, a central figure in the early German expressionist movement as a co-founder of Die Brücke.
Context
This work reflects the group’s emphasis on emotional intensity and distortion of form, aligning with the expressive goals of Die Brücke during its formative period.
Artist & collection
Artist
Karl Schmidt-Rottluff (Karl Schmidt until 1905; 1 December 1884 – 10 August 1976) was a German expressionist painter and printmaker; he was one of the four founders of the artist group Die Brücke.
