Ernst Ludwig Kirchner

Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, born on May 6, 1880 in Aschaffenburg, was a German painter and graphic artist who is considered one of the most important representatives of expressionism in art. Kirchner studied architecture in Dresden before turning fully to painting. In 1905, together with Fritz Bleyl, Erich Heckel and Karl Schmidt-Rottluff, he founded the artist group "Die Brücke", which played a central role in the development of early Expressionism in Germany. Kirchner's work is known for its vibrant colors and depiction of modern life, often with a touch of melancholy or restlessness.

During the First World War, Kirchner served as a soldier, which caused a serious psychological crisis. After a breakdown, he was discharged from military service and retreated to the Swiss Alps, where he lived until his death on June 15, 1938. Despite his health problems, Kirchner remained artistically active and developed a distinctive style that combined the beauty of the Alpine landscape with the intensity of expressionist expression. His late work includes a series of impressive landscapes, portraits and city scenes, which are among the highlights of his work.

Interesting fact:

Ernst Ludwig Kirchner was not only active as a painter, but also as a photographer. He used photography as a means to study movements and postures, which influenced his work as a painter. Kirchner often photographed his friends and models in various poses and then used these studies in his paintings. These photographic works offer a fascinating insight into his creative process and show how he merged reality and art.

Important works of art & pictures by Ernst Ludwig Kirchner:

1. "Self-Portrait as a Soldier" (1915)
2. "Street Scene, Berlin" (1913)
3. "The Soldiers' Bath" (1915)
4. "Women by the Sea" (1914)
5. "Marzella" (1909-1910)
6. "Blue Dancer" (1912)
7. "Davos Landscape" (1925)
8. "Nollendorfplatz" (1912)
9. "Five Women on the Street" (1913)
10. "The Red Dancers" (1911)