Artwork

Women Bathing Between White Stones (Badende Frauen Zwischen Weissen Steinen)

Ernst Ludwig Kirchner , 1912

Women Bathing Between White Stones (Badende Frauen Zwischen Weissen Steinen) 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

Ernst Ludwig Kirchner carved this image into wood, then pressed ink onto paper. The print shows women bathing near jagged white stones. Their bodies look blocky and the whole scene feels sharp and uneven.

Kirchner made this in 1912. He loved strong lines and bold colors. Woodcut prints like this were cheap to make and easy to share.

Try Kirchner’s other woodcuts next.

Overview

Women Bathing Between White Stones is a 1912 color woodcut print by Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, created using Japanese paper. The work is characteristic of Kirchner's style, which emphasizes bold forms and vibrant colors.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a scene of nude women bathing near white stones, a subject that reflects the artist's interest in modern life and the human figure. The image is associated with the Expressionist movement, which prioritized raw emotional expression.

Technique & Style

Kirchner employed the woodcut technique, carving the image into wood and then transferring it to paper using ink. The resulting print features blocky, angular forms and a sharp, uneven quality, showcasing the artist's affinity for strong lines and bold colors.

History & Provenance

Created in 1912, the work predates the disruptions to Kirchner's career caused by World War I and the subsequent Nazi campaign against his art, which led to the confiscation and destruction of many of his works.

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Artist & collection

Artist

Ernst Ludwig Kirchner

Ernst Ludwig Kirchner (6 May 1880 – 15 June 1938) was a German expressionist painter and printmaker.

Museum

National Gallery of Art

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