plate 4 in Alfred Döblin: Das Stiftsfräulein und der Tod (Alfred Döblin: The Canoness and Death)

1913

Ernst Ludwig Kirchner

Associated Names
Ernst Ludwig Kirchner

Artist, German, 1880 - 1938

Alfred Döblin

Author, German, 1878 - 1957

The image displays bold, angular lines and shapes forming an abstract figure with outstretched arms. The lines converge to create a human-like figure with a head and arching body. The figure resembles an angelic or saintly form with implied wings. Thick, black contours contrast against a light background to enhance the abstraction. Angular patterns at the base may suggest stylized feathers or a decorative border.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    woodcut

  • Credit Line

    Gift of Ruth Cole Kainen

  • Dimensions

    overall: 23.5 x 18.2 x 17 cm (9 1/4 x 7 3/16 x 6 11/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2012.92.39.5

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Dube 1980, nos. 199-203

Associated Artworks

See all 5 artworks
The image features angular lines and bold black shapes forming an abstract design. On the left side, there is a block of text with a striking font amidst fluid shapes on the right. The abstract lines on the right suggest elongated figures or flowing fabric. The design merges text with fluid forms, combining the appearance of a book cover or a poster with abstract expression.

title page for Alfred Döblin: Das Stiftsfräulein und der Tod (Alfred Döblin: The Canoness and Death)

Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, Alfred Döblin

1913

The image displays bold, angular lines and shapes in a rectangular composition on a blank background. The lines and shapes create a stylized figure draped in cloth, resembling a seated person. Thick, expressive text intertwines with abstract imagery, blending words and art seamlessly. The bold black lines against the light background give the appearance of an intricate woodcut or print design.

Alfred Döblin: Das Stiftsfräulein und der Tod (Alfred Döblin: The Canoness and Death)

Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, Alfred Döblin

1913

The image shows a figure sitting in an angled chair. Their body is partially visible from the chest down to the knees, with hands on their lap. The person has abstract facial features with sharp, angular lines, and short hair. They wear a dark outfit with a collar or scarf around the neck. Around them are abstracted elements of a room, including a wall with a framed picture and three plant-like forms on a shelf. There is a table nearby with an unknown object. The background features a linear style with dark lines and shadows.

plate 1 in Alfred Döblin: Das Stiftsfräulein und der Tod (Alfred Döblin: The Canoness and Death)

Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, Alfred Döblin

1913

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

(Sotheby's New York, November 14, 1985, lot 66); Ruth Cole Kainen [1922-2009], Washington, D.C. (Lugt 4739); gift to NGA, 2012.

Associated Names

Exhibition History

2014

  • Modern German Prints and Drawings from the Kainen Collection, National Gallery of Art, Washington, DC, 2014.

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