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Nudes Dancing around a Shadow

Ernst Ludwig Kirchner

1936

ink

paper

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Early Modern Nude Dancing

Dominant colour

Nudes Dancing around a Shadow is a 1936 ink by Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, depicting Dancing, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: Ernst Ludwig Kirchner
When & what style?: 1936
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

This woodcut shows a circle of nude figures with sharp, dancing lines. Their bodies twist and bend. The black ink stands out against the soft paper. Kirchner made this in 1936 but carved the image earlier. This proof print keeps the bold edges and rough energy. Woodcuts carve away what you don’t want, leaving only the bold lines. The cut marks feel alive. If you like Kirchner’s hand, check his other works.