Palucca was painted by Ernst Ludwig Kirchner in 1930.

Where can I see Palucca?

Palucca is held by National Gallery of Art.

Can I buy a print of Palucca?

Museum-quality prints of Palucca are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Palucca

Ernst Ludwig Kirchner , 1930

Palucca is an ink print by Ernst Ludwig Kirchner. It dates from 1930 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription: Inscribed:bottom left in graphite: Eigendruck; bottom right in graphite: EL Kirchner; bottom left verso by later hand in graphite: 1759/33; bottom center verso by later hand in graphite: 7870 / 26

About this work

Overview

Palucca is a 1930 color woodcut print by Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, a key figure in German Expressionism. The print is executed in black, green, and brown.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a dancer in motion, arms raised, supporting a smaller, rounded figure. The dancer's face is simplified, topped with a brown hat, set against a black background with jagged lines.

Technique & Style

Kirchner employed the woodcut technique, carving and inking wood blocks to create the print's bold lines and flat, solid colors. The colors have sharp edges and lack shading, characteristic of this method.

History & Provenance

Kirchner's work was significantly impacted by his World War I service and the Nazi regime's subsequent condemnation of his art, leading to the removal and destruction of many pieces in 1937.