Siesta

1911-1912

Ernst Ludwig Kirchner

Associated Names
Ernst Ludwig Kirchner

Artist, German, 1880 - 1938

This is a drawing of abstract figures and forms. The image is dominated by dark, sweeping lines and large areas of black and grey shading. In the center, there is a form suggesting a reclining figure or object, with curved lines indicating contours and movement. Surrounding this form are additional abstract elements that could be interpreted as background shapes or details. Bold, gestural strokes contribute to a vibrant, energetic scene with a sense of spontaneity.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    lithograph printed in black

  • Credit Line

    Gift of Ruth Cole Kainen

  • Dimensions

    image: 31.5 x 42.5 cm (12 3/8 x 16 3/4 in.)
    sheet: 36.5 x 56.2 cm (14 3/8 x 22 1/8 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2012.92.735

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Dube 1967, Vol. (L), no. 175

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Unverkäuflich E.L. Kirchner (described in Lugt 1570a-d). Nachlass E.L. Kirchner (L. 1570b) L 195 I. (Galleria Henze, Lugano); Ruth Kainen, Washington, D.C., purchased 1973; gift to NGA, 2012.

Associated Names

Bibliography

1967

  • Dube, Annemarie and Wolf-Dieter Dube. E.L. Kirchner; das graphische Werke. Munich: Prestel-Verlag, 1967, no. (L) 175

Inscriptions

lower right in graphite: E.L. Kirchner; lower left by later hand in graphite: Sch I 195 I; verso along left edge by later hand in graphite: 4 / L75; K 3363; 2987; c 1185 [crossed out]; nn 44; E69-252; verso in color pencil: 191

Wikidata ID

Q76557805

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