Artwork

River Bank at Elisabeth (Berlin)

River Bank at Elisabeth (Berlin), by Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, ink, 1912
River Bank at Elisabeth (Berlin), by Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, ink, 1912

River Bank at Elisabeth (Berlin) is an ink print by Ernst Ludwig Kirchner. It dates from 1912 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

River Bank at Elisabeth (Berlin) is a 1912 woodcut by Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, a key figure in the development of German Expressionism.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a cityscape with buildings, a bridge, and foreground foliage, juxtaposing urban and natural elements. Simplified forms and bold lines create a dynamic composition.

Technique & Style

Kirchner's use of black ink on a white background produces strong contrasts, characteristic of the Die Brücke group's emotionally charged style. Geometric shapes and bold lines add texture and depth to the image.

History & Provenance

Kirchner's career was marked by significant challenges, including military service, a breakdown, and later, the Nazi regime's condemnation of his work as 'degenerate'.

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.