Who painted Annette Kolb?

Annette Kolb was painted by Ernst Ludwig Kirchner in 1926.

Where can I see Annette Kolb?

Annette Kolb is held by National Gallery of Art.

Can I buy a print of Annette Kolb?

Museum-quality prints of Annette Kolb are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Annette Kolb

Ernst Ludwig Kirchner , 1926

Annette Kolb is an ink print by Ernst Ludwig Kirchner. It dates from 1926 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Ernst Ludwig Kirchner produced the black‑ink woodcut titled Annette Kolb in 1926. Executed as a single‑color print, the image presents a sharply angled portrait with a partially turned head, large dark eyes and an open mouth, set against a predominantly black background. The composition’s stark contrasts and simplified forms exemplify Kirchner’s graphic approach within the Expressionist movement.

Subject & Meaning

The work depicts a face that appears both intimate and mask‑like, suggesting a tension between personal expression and anonymity. The exaggerated eyes and open mouth convey a moment of speech or emotional outburst, aligning with Expressionism’s aim to externalize inner feeling through distorted, forceful lines.

Technique & Style

Created by carving a design into a wooden block and printing it with black ink, the piece relies on the medium’s capacity for bold, graphic lines and high contrast. Kirchner’s use of sharp angles and uneven, hand‑carved edges highlights the tactile quality of the woodcut process, reinforcing the work’s dynamic, expressive character.

History & Provenance

Kirchner, a founding member of the avant‑garde group Die Brücke, was a pivotal figure in early 20th‑century German Expressionism. Annette Kolb was produced during a period when he was focusing on printmaking as a means to disseminate his intense, emotionally charged visual language beyond the canvas.