Artwork

Young Woman with Child

Young Woman with Child, by Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, ink, 1923
Young Woman with Child, by Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, ink, 1923

Young Woman with Child is an ink print by Ernst Ludwig Kirchner. It dates from 1923 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Young Woman with Child is a 1923 drypoint print by Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, a key figure in the development of Expressionism.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a seated woman holding a child, conveying a sense of calm through the woman's simple yet expressive face. The child's clinging posture adds to the emotional intimacy of the scene.

Technique & Style

Kirchner's characteristic expressive style is evident in the loose, quick lines and rough strokes used to render the figures and their clothing. The background is minimal, with empty space emphasizing the two figures.

History & Provenance

Kirchner's work, including this print, was later targeted by the Nazi regime, which labeled it 'degenerate' and removed or destroyed over 600 of his pieces in 1937.

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.