Who painted Head of Dr. Bauer?

Head of Dr. Bauer was painted by Ernst Ludwig Kirchner in 1921.

Where can I see Head of Dr. Bauer?

Head of Dr. Bauer is held by National Gallery of Art.

Artwork

Head of Dr. Bauer

Ernst Ludwig Kirchner , 1921

Head of Dr. Bauer is an ink print by Ernst Ludwig Kirchner. It dates from 1921 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Ernst Ludwig Kirchner produced the print *Head of Dr. Bauer* in 1921. Executed as an etching combined with dry‑point, the image is printed in black and later overlaid with a yellow monotype wash. The composition presents a partially turned head, rendered with loose, gestural lines that convey a sense of immediacy and psychological focus.

Subject & Meaning

The work is understood to be a portrait of a man identified as Dr. Bauer, though the figure remains deliberately unfinished. Kirchner’s handling of the face—tilted away, with fragmented features—suggests an interest in inner tension rather than a literal likeness, aligning with his broader concern for expressing mental states through portraiture.

Technique & Style

Kirchner employed traditional intaglio methods, etching the primary outlines and reinforcing them with dry‑point to achieve crisp, biting edges. After printing, he applied a thin layer of yellow ink by wiping, creating a warm counterpoint to the dominant black. The resulting surface balances stark linearity with a subtle, painterly hue, characteristic of his expressionist approach.

History & Provenance

Created shortly after Kirchner’s return to Germany following his wartime exile, the print reflects his re‑engagement with the German art scene. While specific ownership records are limited, the piece has been documented in several catalogues of Kirchner’s prints and is held in public collections that focus on early 20th‑century German expressionism.