Artwork

Nude with a Mirror, Standing Before a Washstand

Nude with a Mirror, Standing Before a Washstand, by Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, ink, 1909
Nude with a Mirror, Standing Before a Washstand, by Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, ink, 1909

Nude with a Mirror, Standing Before a Washstand is an ink drawing by Ernst Ludwig Kirchner. It dates from 1909 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Nude with a Mirror, Standing Before a Washstand is a 1909 drawing by Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, a key figure in the development of Expressionism. Created with pen and black ink on wove paper, it showcases Kirchner's expressive style.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts a nude woman standing before a washstand, holding a mirror. The figure is rendered in bold lines, capturing her pose and movement, while the surrounding objects are simplified.

Technique & Style

Kirchner's use of bold, expressive lines and minimal shading conveys a sense of energy. The contrast between the detailed figure and simpler background objects adds to the drawing's dynamic feel.

Context

As a founding member of Die Brücke, Kirchner played a significant role in shaping 20th-century Expressionism. This drawing exemplifies his contribution to the movement's emphasis on expressive, emotive 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: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.