Open full image Pin

Feelings

Ernst Ludwig Kirchner

1937

ink

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Early Modern

Dominant colour

Feelings is a 1937 ink by Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: Ernst Ludwig Kirchner
When & what style?: 1937
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

This woodcut shows five simplified figures against a flat black background. Their arms and legs are stretched in odd, angular poses—some reaching up, others leaning in. Faces are rough and expressive, with big eyes and open mouths. The lines are bold and scratchy, like they were carved into wood. Notice how the figures overlap and twist around each other, almost like they’re caught in motion. The black-and-white contrast makes everything feel sharp and dramatic. Next, check out how this artist used woodcut to create the image.