Artwork

From the Apocalypse

From the Apocalypse, by Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, ink, 1936
From the Apocalypse, by Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, ink, 1936

From the Apocalypse is an ink print by Ernst Ludwig Kirchner. It dates from 1936 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

The scene seems to depict a dramatic event, possibly a battle or a natural disaster.

This painting shows a chaotic scene with many figures. The figures are drawn in black lines and appear to be in motion. The background is a light color.

The scene seems to depict a dramatic event, possibly a battle or a natural disaster. The figures are scattered across the canvas, some of them falling or running. The overall mood of the painting is one of turmoil and confusion.

The painting is an etching by Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, created in 1936. It is held at the National Gallery of Art, Washington.

Overview

From the Apocalypse is an etching created by Ernst Ludwig Kirchner in 1936. It is part of a series exploring apocalyptic themes and is held at the National Gallery of Art, Washington.

Subject & Meaning

The etching depicts a chaotic scene with figures in motion, possibly representing a battle or natural disaster. The scattered figures, some falling or running, convey a mood of turmoil and confusion.

Technique & Style

The work features bold black lines defining the figures against a light-colored background, characteristic of Kirchner's expressionist style.

History & Provenance

Kirchner, a founding member of Die Brücke, created this etching during a period of personal and artistic upheaval following his condemnation as a 'degenerate' artist by the Nazis in 1933.

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: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.