Artwork

Rocky Stream

Rocky Stream, by Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, ink, 1919
Rocky Stream, by Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, ink, 1919

Rocky Stream is an ink print by Ernst Ludwig Kirchner. It dates from 1919 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Rocky Stream is a 1919 lithograph by Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, a German artist and founding member of Die Brücke, a group influential in the development of Expressionism. The print is executed in black ink on paper.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a rugged landscape characterized by twisted trees and rocky terrain, rendered in stark black and white. The scene conveys emotional intensity through its bold, jagged forms.

Technique & Style

Kirchner employed lithography, a printing technique involving a smooth stone, to create the print's bold, uneven lines. The resulting image features sharp black lines and patches, with uneven edges that suggest a rough, textured quality.

History & Provenance

Rocky Stream was created in 1919, shortly after Kirchner's discharge from military service due to a breakdown, reflecting his expressive approach to landscape during this period.

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.