Provenance

Estate of E. L. Kirchner

Explore selected works

See all 14 works of art
The image shows abstract figures outlined with fluid pencil strokes. Two figures are depicted with bold, gestural lines, varying in thickness to define their forms and pose. The composition is expressive and spontaneous, capturing quick visual impressions on paper. The drawing conveys a sense of interaction or connection between the figures, set against a neutral backdrop.
Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, Girl Before a Mirror, 1912/1913, graphite on laid paper, Gift of Ruth Cole Kainen, 2012.92.258

Girl Before a Mirror

Ernst Ludwig Kirchner · 1912/1913 · graphite on laid paper ·  Accession ID  2012.92.258

The image shows an abstract landscape with a body of water, distant land, and simplified human and architectural forms. The view is from a slightly elevated angle, with loose and fluid brushstrokes creating forms and motion. The color palette is soft and muted, with hints of green, yellow, red, and black against a pastel background. Closest to the viewer are water and boat-like shapes, while distant figures and structures suggest human activity. The overall effect is one of simplicity and minimalism, inviting the viewer to interpret the scene.
Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, Elbe Landscape Near Dresden, 1909, graphite and crayon on wove cream paper, Gift of Ruth Cole Kainen, 2012.92.668

Elbe Landscape Near Dresden

Ernst Ludwig Kirchner · 1909 · graphite and crayon on wove cream paper ·  Accession ID  2012.92.668

The image shows a street scene with an architectural structure dominating the view. The horizon is unclear, and the structure's sharp lines and edges reach the top of the artwork. The drawing is done in a loose, gestural style with charcoal strokes outlining the building and figures. The color palette is monochromatic, using black on creamy paper. Figures are depicted walking or standing on a pathway, while the building's details are minimal, suggesting windows and rooflines. Other elements in the scene are abstracted for interpretation.
Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, Houses in Dresden with People Strolling, 1909, crayon on buff wove paper, Gift of Ruth Cole Kainen, 2012.92.670

Houses in Dresden with People Strolling

Ernst Ludwig Kirchner · 1909 · crayon on buff wove paper ·  Accession ID  2012.92.670

The image depicts bold black lines forming angular and fluid shapes that suggest two human-like figures standing side by side. The lines are heavily shaded and cross-hatched, creating movement and energy. One figure has bent legs while the other stands upright. To the left, there is a smaller grouping of lines resembling a cat-like creature with pointed ears and a long, curved tail. The abstract composition alludes to a bustling theatrical scene or lively gathering with hints of costumes and dynamic poses.
Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, Two Dancers with a Cat, 1913, reed pen and black ink on brown wove paper, Gift of Ruth Cole Kainen, 2012.92.122

Two Dancers with a Cat

Ernst Ludwig Kirchner · 1913 · reed pen and black ink on brown wove paper ·  Accession ID  2012.92.122

The image depicts a series of flowing lines and soft, sketchy shapes that form abstract human figures. Curved lines create the figures in a standing and reclining position. Broad strokes of green, blue, and red watercolor are applied around the figures, hinting at a background of landscape or vegetation. The standing figure wears a red cap. The reclining figure suggests a relaxed atmosphere.
Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, Two Bathers near the Woods, 1910/1911, watercolor and graphite on wove paper, Gift of Ruth Cole Kainen, 2012.92.119

Two Bathers near the Woods

Ernst Ludwig Kirchner · 1910/1911 · watercolor and graphite on wove paper ·  Accession ID  2012.92.119

Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, Two Nudes in a Forest, 1925, colored crayon drawing on white wove paper, Gift of Ruth Cole Kainen, 2012.92.37

Two Nudes in a Forest

Ernst Ludwig Kirchner · 1925 · colored crayon drawing on white wove paper ·  Accession ID  2012.92.37

The image depicts a sketch of a woman lying face down with her arms extended forward and her legs stretched out behind her. Her head is turned slightly towards the viewer. The woman's facial features are suggested with simple lines, including her eyes and mouth. She has long hair. The sketch does not include specific clothing details. The background is a plain, light-colored surface.
Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, Fränzi Reclining, 1910, black crayon on wove yellow paper, Gift of Ruth Cole Kainen, 2012.92.113

Fränzi Reclining

Ernst Ludwig Kirchner · 1910 · black crayon on wove yellow paper ·  Accession ID  2012.92.113

The image features two figures in a sketch-like drawing with visible charcoal or pencil strokes. The person on the left occupies a significant portion of the composition, from the head down to the waist. This figure is in a frontal position with a slightly tilted head and prominent facial features such as thick eyebrows, deep-set eyes, and defined jawline, with short hair drawn with strong lines. The person is wearing what appears to be a shirt or tunic, based on broad strokes around the upper body. To the right, there is a second person, partially turned away and positioned slightly in the middle ground, with only the head and part of the torso visible. This person also has defined facial features and long hair. Surrounding the figures are abstract and loosely drawn elements, including what looks like a sketch of additional figures on the wall in the background. The background is filled with varied lines and shapes, hinting at window blinds or vertical elements, adding to the sketch's dynamic and layered aesthetic.
Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, Self-Portrait in the Studio (Selbstbildnis im Atelier), 1923, black crayon on board, Gift of Ruth Cole Kainen, 2012.92.751

Self-Portrait in the Studio (Selbstbildnis im Atelier)

Ernst Ludwig Kirchner · 1923 · black crayon on board ·  Accession ID  2012.92.751

The image shows a sketch from a slight aerial point of view. There is no horizon depicted. The composition includes figures and abstract forms representing vegetation and rocks, with two human-like figures—one closer to us and the other standing further in the distance. The brushstrokes are expressive and spontaneous, creating dynamic outlines and suggested shapes. The color palette is monochromatic, consisting of black ink on a cream paper.
Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, Two Bathers on the Fehmarn Coast (Zwei Badende am hoher Fehmarnküste), 1912, brush and black ink on wove paper, Gift of Ruth Cole Kainen, 2012.92.672

Two Bathers on the Fehmarn Coast (Zwei Badende am hoher Fehmarnküste)

Ernst Ludwig Kirchner · 1912 · brush and black ink on wove paper ·  Accession ID  2012.92.672

Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, Ski Jumper, c. 1936, watercolor and graphite on board, Gift of Ruth Cole Kainen, 2012.92.673

Ski Jumper

Ernst Ludwig Kirchner · c. 1936 · watercolor and graphite on board ·  Accession ID  2012.92.673