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Dancers and Performers (Page from a Sketchbook)

Ernst Ludwig Kirchner

1911

graphite

paper

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Early Modern

Dominant colour

Dancers and Performers (Page from a Sketchbook) is a 1911 graphite by Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: Ernst Ludwig Kirchner
When & what style?: 1911
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

This sketch shows quick, rough lines of figures in motion. Arms stretch and legs bend. Lines overlap in places. The paper looks creamy and worn. Kirchner used graphite to catch movement fast. He drew this in 1911, before modern art got famous. The lines feel alive, like the dancers moved while he sketched. Check Kirchner, Ernst Ludwig next if you like this style.