Artwork

Men Splashing in the Reeds (Sich Spritzende Männer im Schilf)

Men Splashing in the Reeds (Sich Spritzende Männer im Schilf), by Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, ink, 1910
Men Splashing in the Reeds (Sich Spritzende Männer im Schilf), by Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, ink, 1910

Men Splashing in the Reeds (Sich Spritzende Männer im Schilf) is an ink print by Ernst Ludwig Kirchner. It dates from 1910 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Men Splashing in the Reeds (Sich Spritzende Männer im Schilf) is a 1910 lithograph on yellow wove paper by Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, a key figure in the German Expressionist movement and co-founder of the artists' collective Die Brücke.

Subject & Meaning

The print captures two men in shallow water amidst tall reeds, their bodies half-submerged. Their dynamic postures—one facing forward with raised arms, the other leaning back with outstretched arms—suggest a moment of playful or energetic interaction within a natural setting.

Technique & Style

Characterized by rough, jagged lines reminiscent of quick sketches, the lithograph employs sharp, uneven strokes to convey movement and texture. The dark ink against the yellow paper creates a silhouette-like effect, emphasizing the expressive and spontaneous quality of the work.

History & Provenance

Created in 1910, this lithograph reflects Kirchner's early Expressionist explorations as part of Die Brücke. Specific provenance details are not provided.

Context

Produced during the formative years of Expressionism, the work aligns with the movement's emphasis on emotional intensity and distortion of forms for expressive purposes. The natural setting, however, adds a unique layer of serenity to the otherwise dynamic scene.

Legacy

As a work by Kirchner, it contributes to the broader legacy of Die Brücke and early 20th-century Expressionism, though its specific impact or notable exhibitions are not detailed here.

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.