Provenance

Jena Kunstverein

founded 1903

Explore selected works

The image depicts a sketched art piece of a human figure reclining on a surface in a fetal-like position. The figure is lying on their side with one arm under their head and the other arm across their torso. The facial features are soft and slightly abstract, and the hair is drawn with wavy lines blending into the background pattern. The individual in the image is not wearing clothing. The surface beneath them has bold, wavy lines resembling fabric or bedding. The background is a high-contrast abstract design with dark, irregular patterns surrounding the figure.
Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, Reclining Nude, 1907, lithograph on cardboard, Ruth and Jacob Kainen Collection, 1986.95.1

Reclining Nude

Ernst Ludwig Kirchner · 1907 · lithograph on cardboard ·  Accession ID  1986.95.1

Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, Port Scene (Hafenbild), 1908, woodcut, Rosenwald Collection, 1943.3.5181

Port Scene (Hafenbild)

Ernst Ludwig Kirchner · 1908 · woodcut ·  Accession ID  1943.3.5181

This painting features abstract figures against a blue background. Three figures in bold pink lines are depicted near a blue area. The contrast between the figures and the blue background creates a dynamic composition. The use of color and brushstrokes conveys motion and spontaneity. The forms are simplified, emphasizing abstraction.
Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, Three Bathers by Stones, 1913, color lithograph in pink, blue, red, and black on calendered paper, Ruth and Jacob Kainen Collection, 1986.95.5

Three Bathers by Stones

Ernst Ludwig Kirchner · 1913 · color lithograph in pink, blue, red, and black on calendered paper ·  Accession ID  1986.95.5

The image consists of sharp, angular lines and intersecting forms that create a chaotic, overlapping pattern. Bold, jagged shapes evoke the silhouette of a face and hands, reminiscent of someone playing a piano. The pointed lines and dark, contrasting areas suggest dynamic movement and energy. The layout and busy intersections of lines give an impression of an intense rhythmic flow, like a musical performance.
Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, Composer Klemperer, 1916, woodcut on blotting paper, Gift of Ruth Cole Kainen, 2012.92.685

Composer Klemperer

Ernst Ludwig Kirchner · 1916 · woodcut on blotting paper ·  Accession ID  2012.92.685

This is a painting of two abstract figures walking past large plants. The painting shows two stylized figures in shades of pink and purple against a green and yellow background. The figures are in motion, with hands raised. In the background, there are large, flatly illustrated leaves reminiscent of tropical plants in a potted setting. The background is split into two distinct areas: a mustard-yellow floor and a green wall or sky, suggesting an interior or exterior space. The bold outlines and flattened color scheme give the painting a graphic, woodcut-like quality.
Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, English Step Dancers, 1911, color woodcut printed in black, yellow, green, and pink on blotting paper, Gift of Ruth Cole Kainen, 2012.92.36

English Step Dancers

Ernst Ludwig Kirchner · 1911 · color woodcut printed in black, yellow, green, and pink on blotting paper ·  Accession ID  2012.92.36

The image shows sweeping and jagged lines converging to form two human-like figures in a highly stylized and abstract manner. The figures have bold and dark shapes with elongated limbs and exaggerated features. They appear to be engaging with each other against a backdrop of thick, uneven strokes that could be interpreted as a forest or flames. The abstraction blurs the boundaries of form and space, inviting viewers to ponder connections to the human body and nature.
Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, Men Splashing in the Reeds (Sich Spritzende Männer im Schilf), 1910, lithograph on yellow wove paper, Gift of Ruth Cole Kainen, 2012.92.734

Men Splashing in the Reeds (Sich Spritzende Männer im Schilf)

Ernst Ludwig Kirchner · 1910 · lithograph on yellow wove paper ·  Accession ID  2012.92.734

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Jockey

Ernst Ludwig Kirchner · 1909 · color lithograph on wove paper ·  Accession ID  2012.92.142