Three Bathers in the Sea

c. 1914

Ernst Ludwig Kirchner

Associated Names
Ernst Ludwig Kirchner

Artist, German, 1880 - 1938

This is a drawing of abstract figures or forms in a monochromatic composition using bold charcoal lines. The central area features three vertical forms that suggest figures standing or interacting. The surrounding area includes sweeping lines and shapes that imply a simplified landscape or setting. The drawing conveys movement through the fluid and spontaneous application of charcoal.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

E.L. Kirchner (Lugt Supp.1570b). (Roman Norbert Ketterer, Lugano); Ruth Kainen, Washington, D.C., purchased June 21, 1983; gift to NGA, 1984.

Associated Names

Exhibition History

1985

  • Landscape Drawings from the National Gallery's Collection, National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C., 1985.

1992

  • Ernst Ludwig Kirchner: Paintings, Drawings, and Prints, National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C., 1992.

2014

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

Inscriptions

lower right in black chalk: ELKirchner; lower left verso in graphite:K8353 / C2177 / C2177 / K8353; lower left verso in black ink: K Be/B/48; lower center verso: 11136; lower right verso: drei Bruder [?] in Meere / hinter (illegible) / 8010

Wikidata ID

Q64559834

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