Provenance

Walter Kern

German, 1898 - 1966

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The image is a portrait showing the head and neck of a person facing forward with a direct gaze. The facial features are expressed with bold brush strokes, emphasizing prominent eyes, a broad nose, and a strong mouth. The hair is depicted with dark, swirling strokes. The person's clothing is not prominently shown, blending into the rough textures around the portrait. There are no visible objects or jewelry. The background is abstract and chaotic, with black and white brush strokes blending with the face, creating an intense atmosphere.
Karl Schmidt-Rottluff, Woman's head, 1907, chalk lithograph on wove paper, Gift of Ruth Cole Kainen, 2012.92.462

Woman's head

Karl Schmidt-Rottluff · 1907 · chalk lithograph on wove paper ·  Accession ID  2012.92.462

The image shows a complex network of swirling lines and interlocking shapes. The forms resemble figures, architectural elements, and possibly water currents, all merging in a chaotic yet structured manner. The abstract composition evokes a sense of motion, with some shapes reminiscent of waves or flowing hair, while others suggest buildings or boats. The darker tones and intricate patterns create a dynamic and enigmatic quality, allowing for various interpretations of recognizable imagery.
Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, Georg Heym, Spamersche Buchdruckerei, Leipzig, Kurt Wolff, Mit den Fahrenden Schiffen (With Travelling Ships) (in-text plate) from mock-up of Georg Heym: Umbra Vitae (Georg Heym: Shadow of Life), 1912/1922, woodcut from a bound volume with 51 woodcuts (including cover and front and back endpapers) on wove paper, Gift of Ruth Cole Kainen, 2012.92.40.14

Mit den Fahrenden Schiffen (With Travelling Ships) (in-text plate) from mock-up of Georg Heym: Umbra Vitae (Georg Heym: Shadow of Life)

Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, Georg Heym, Spamersche Buchdruckerei, Leipzig, Kurt Wolff · 1912/1922 · woodcut from a bound volume with 51 woodcuts (including cover and front and back endpapers) on wove paper ·  Accession ID  2012.92.40.14

The image features abstract shapes and lines creating a scene at the bottom of the page. The black and white illustration shows angular lines and geometric shapes resembling a mountainous landscape, a stylized human figure, and cross-like forms. The artwork suggests a figure with a somber expression seated against rocky backgrounds, imparting a sense of rugged terrain. At the top of the page, German text reads "PILATUS," with the page number "63" centered beneath the illustration.
Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, Georg Heym, Spamersche Buchdruckerei, Leipzig, Kurt Wolff, Pilatus (Pilate) (in-text plate) from mock-up of Georg Heym: Umbra Vitae (Georg Heym: Shadow of Life), 1912/1922, woodcut from a bound volume with 51 woodcuts (including cover and front and back endpapers) on wove paper, Gift of Ruth Cole Kainen, 2012.92.40.46

Pilatus (Pilate) (in-text plate) from mock-up of Georg Heym: Umbra Vitae (Georg Heym: Shadow of Life)

Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, Georg Heym, Spamersche Buchdruckerei, Leipzig, Kurt Wolff · 1912/1922 · woodcut from a bound volume with 51 woodcuts (including cover and front and back endpapers) on wove paper ·  Accession ID  2012.92.40.46

This is a black and white drawing featuring abstract figures surrounding geometric structures. The drawing is on a page with German text titled "DIE NEUEN HÄUSER." The abstract illustration on the page shows angular forms suggesting architectural elements and elongated figures interacting with each other. The drawing style uses heavy black lines and shapes to create contrast. The figures are in dynamic poses, implying movement or action in a simplified and distorted environment.
Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, Georg Heym, Spamersche Buchdruckerei, Leipzig, Kurt Wolff, Die Neuen Häuser (The New Houses) (in-text plate) from mock-up of Georg Heym: Umbra Vitae (Georg Heym: Shadow of Life), 1912/1922, woodcut from a bound volume with 51 woodcuts (including cover and front and back endpapers) on wove paper, Gift of Ruth Cole Kainen, 2012.92.40.33

Die Neuen Häuser (The New Houses) (in-text plate) from mock-up of Georg Heym: Umbra Vitae (Georg Heym: Shadow of Life)

Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, Georg Heym, Spamersche Buchdruckerei, Leipzig, Kurt Wolff · 1912/1922 · woodcut from a bound volume with 51 woodcuts (including cover and front and back endpapers) on wove paper ·  Accession ID  2012.92.40.33

This is a drawing of a stylized human figure with a rainbow above, set in a landscape. The illustration is on a page of printed German text. The drawing shows a geometric human figure standing with a rainbow above. In the background are elements of a landscape, including a small structure resembling a house and vegetation. The illustration's style is bold and contrasting, resembling a woodcut or engraving technique. The page shows signs of aging with discoloration and spots.
Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, Georg Heym, Spamersche Buchdruckerei, Leipzig, Kurt Wolff, Nachtwort (Night Word) (in-text plate) from mock-up of Georg Heym: Umbra Vitae (Georg Heym: Shadow of Life), 1912/1922, woodcut from a bound volume with 51 woodcuts (including cover and front and back endpapers) on wove paper, Gift of Ruth Cole Kainen, 2012.92.40.49

Nachtwort (Night Word) (in-text plate) from mock-up of Georg Heym: Umbra Vitae (Georg Heym: Shadow of Life)

Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, Georg Heym, Spamersche Buchdruckerei, Leipzig, Kurt Wolff · 1912/1922 · woodcut from a bound volume with 51 woodcuts (including cover and front and back endpapers) on wove paper ·  Accession ID  2012.92.40.49

This is a drawing that accompanies a German poem. The drawing features bold, angular shapes and dark lines in a cubistic style with fragmented figures and objects. The background shows abstract patterns with a draped fabric or flowing form. The poem titled "MEINE SEELE" (My Soul) is written in German above the drawing. The paper shows signs of discoloration and wear.
Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, Georg Heym, Spamersche Buchdruckerei, Leipzig, Kurt Wolff, Meine Seele (My Soul) (in-text plate) from mock-up of Georg Heym: Umbra Vitae (Georg Heym: Shadow of Life), 1912/1922, woodcut from a bound volume with 51 woodcuts (including cover and front and back endpapers) on wove paper, Gift of Ruth Cole Kainen, 2012.92.40.39

Meine Seele (My Soul) (in-text plate) from mock-up of Georg Heym: Umbra Vitae (Georg Heym: Shadow of Life)

Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, Georg Heym, Spamersche Buchdruckerei, Leipzig, Kurt Wolff · 1912/1922 · woodcut from a bound volume with 51 woodcuts (including cover and front and back endpapers) on wove paper ·  Accession ID  2012.92.40.39

This is a photograph of a page from a book that contains both text and an illustration. The text is in German and consists of stanzas, possibly a verse or poem, with a somber tone. Below the text, there is an abstract black-and-white illustration of stylized geometric shapes and abstract figures, reminiscent of expressionist artwork. The page number '29' is centered below the illustration, and the page shows signs of aging with discoloration and spots.
Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, Georg Heym, Spamersche Buchdruckerei, Leipzig, Kurt Wolff, Die Irren II (The Mad II) (in-text plate) from mock-up of Georg Heym: Umbra Vitae (Georg Heym: Shadow of Life), 1912/1922, woodcut from a bound volume with 51 woodcuts (including cover and front and back endpapers) on wove paper, Gift of Ruth Cole Kainen, 2012.92.40.20

Die Irren II (The Mad II) (in-text plate) from mock-up of Georg Heym: Umbra Vitae (Georg Heym: Shadow of Life)

Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, Georg Heym, Spamersche Buchdruckerei, Leipzig, Kurt Wolff · 1912/1922 · woodcut from a bound volume with 51 woodcuts (including cover and front and back endpapers) on wove paper ·  Accession ID  2012.92.40.20

This is a drawing of a group of figures standing in front of an abstract architectural backdrop. The drawing depicts several figures with exaggerated and stylized features, positioned in an urban setting. The style suggests elements of expressionism, with the figures wearing cloaks or long garments. The architectural elements around them suggest a busy street or market setting. The illustration is part of a larger text.
Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, Georg Heym, Spamersche Buchdruckerei, Leipzig, Kurt Wolff, Die Städte (The Cities) (in-text plate) from mock-up of Georg Heym: Umbra Vitae (Georg Heym: Shadow of Life), 1912/1922, woodcut from a bound volume with 51 woodcuts (including cover and front and back endpapers) on wove paper, Gift of Ruth Cole Kainen, 2012.92.40.17

Die Städte (The Cities) (in-text plate) from mock-up of Georg Heym: Umbra Vitae (Georg Heym: Shadow of Life)

Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, Georg Heym, Spamersche Buchdruckerei, Leipzig, Kurt Wolff · 1912/1922 · woodcut from a bound volume with 51 woodcuts (including cover and front and back endpapers) on wove paper ·  Accession ID  2012.92.40.17

The image displays sharply angled lines and blocky shapes in an abstract composition. Within the forms, there are figures reminiscent of people with elongated bodies and angular features. The black lines contrast against the white background, creating a dynamic flow. There are elements that suggest architecture, like buildings and a steeple, enhancing the urban scene.
Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, Georg Heym, Spamersche Buchdruckerei, Leipzig, Kurt Wolff, Die Stadt der Qual (The City of Agony) (in-text plate) from mock-up of Georg Heym: Umbra Vitae (Georg Heym: Shadow of Life), 1912/1922, woodcut from a bound volume with 51 woodcuts (including cover and front and back endpapers) on wove paper, Gift of Ruth Cole Kainen, 2012.92.40.18

Die Stadt der Qual (The City of Agony) (in-text plate) from mock-up of Georg Heym: Umbra Vitae (Georg Heym: Shadow of Life)

Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, Georg Heym, Spamersche Buchdruckerei, Leipzig, Kurt Wolff · 1912/1922 · woodcut from a bound volume with 51 woodcuts (including cover and front and back endpapers) on wove paper ·  Accession ID  2012.92.40.18

The image shows a page from a book titled "DIE STADT" with German text about night and the city. There is a black-and-white illustration below the text depicting a densely packed urban landscape. The buildings are stacked closely together with small windows, creating a crowded feeling. The cityscape is drawn in a woodcut style with bold, short strokes giving a dramatic contrast. The buildings in the foreground are bold and detailed, while those in the distance are less defined, creating a zigzagged horizon line indicating an elevated viewpoint. The image is mostly black and white, emphasizing the intensity of the scene. It is labeled "36" at the bottom.
Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, Georg Heym, Spamersche Buchdruckerei, Leipzig, Kurt Wolff, Die Stadt (The City) (in-text plate) from mock-up of Georg Heym: Umbra Vitae (Georg Heym: Shadow of Life), 1912/1922, woodcut from a bound volume with 51 woodcuts (including cover and front and back endpapers) on wove paper, Gift of Ruth Cole Kainen, 2012.92.40.25

Die Stadt (The City) (in-text plate) from mock-up of Georg Heym: Umbra Vitae (Georg Heym: Shadow of Life)

Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, Georg Heym, Spamersche Buchdruckerei, Leipzig, Kurt Wolff · 1912/1922 · woodcut from a bound volume with 51 woodcuts (including cover and front and back endpapers) on wove paper ·  Accession ID  2012.92.40.25