Artwork
Nude with a Mirror, Standing Before a Washstand
Nude with a Mirror, Standing Before a Washstand is an ink drawing by Ernst Ludwig Kirchner. It dates from 1909 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
- Inscription
- Inscribed:on verso, Kirchner estate stamp annotated in pen and black ink: Be l Bg 32; in graphite: K 4629 / 4261 KE
About this work
Overview
Nude with a Mirror, Standing Before a Washstand is a 1909 drawing by Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, a key figure in the development of Expressionism. Created with pen and black ink on wove paper, it showcases Kirchner's expressive style.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing depicts a nude woman standing before a washstand, holding a mirror. The figure is rendered in bold lines, capturing her pose and movement, while the surrounding objects are simplified.
Technique & Style
Kirchner's use of bold, expressive lines and minimal shading conveys a sense of energy. The contrast between the detailed figure and simpler background objects adds to the drawing's dynamic feel.
Context
As a founding member of Die Brücke, Kirchner played a significant role in shaping 20th-century Expressionism. This drawing exemplifies his contribution to the movement's emphasis on expressive, emotive art.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
Ernst Ludwig Kirchner (6 May 1880 – 15 June 1938) was a German expressionist painter and printmaker.
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![Nude Figure [reverse], by Ernst Ludwig Kirchner](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/ernst-ludwig-kirchner--nude-figure-reverse--4b135f0364753e98-w320.webp)
![Two Nudes [obverse], by Ernst Ludwig Kirchner](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/ernst-ludwig-kirchner--two-nudes-obverse--eb3914183f0bc96d-w320.webp)
![Dancing Couple in the Snow [reverse], by Ernst Ludwig Kirchner](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/ernst-ludwig-kirchner--dancing-couple-in-the-snow-reverse--87ca007d7c05b553-w320.webp)
