Old Market in Dresden with a Fair (Der Altmarkt in Dresden mit Jahrmarkt)

Ernst Ludwig Kirchner

1910

ink

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Early Modern Cityscape

About this work

This sketchy black-and-white scene shows a busy street market under a bridge. The buildings are simple shapes, and people crowd the sidewalks, some walking, others standing in groups. A horse-drawn carriage rolls down the road, while a few trees and streetlights add detail. The artist used quick, rough lines to show movement and energy. The scene feels alive but also a little chaotic, with lots of small figures and shapes. Next, check out lithography to see how this print was made.