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Artwork

Peter Schlemihls wundersame Geschichte: Schlemihls Begegnung mit dem Schatten (Peter Schlemihl's Wondrous Story: Schlemihl's Encounter with His Shadow)

Ernst Ludwig Kirchner , 1915

Peter Schlemihls wundersame Geschichte: Schlemihls Begegnung mit dem Schatten (Peter Schlemihl's Wondrous Story: Schlemihl's Encounter with His Shadow), by Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, ink, 1915
Peter Schlemihls wundersame Geschichte: Schlemihls Begegnung mit dem Schatten (Peter Schlemihl's Wondrous Story: Schlemihl's Encounter with His Shadow), by Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, ink, 1915

Peter Schlemihls wundersame Geschichte: Schlemihls Begegnung mit dem Schatten (Peter Schlemihl's Wondrous Story: Schlemihl's Encounter with His Shadow) is an ink print by Ernst Ludwig Kirchner. It dates from 1915 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription
Inscribed:lower left below image in graphite: Eigendruck; lower right below image in graphite: E L Kirchner; lower center in graphite: 6. Das Männlein narrt ihn, indem es den Schatten allein bei ihm vorbeispazieren lässt, Schlemihl versucht ihn zu fassen. Vergeblich.

About this work

Overview

Peter Schlemihls wundersame Geschichte: Schlemihls Begegnung mit dem Schatten is a 1915 color woodcut on wove paper by Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, a key figure in the development of Expressionism.

Subject & Meaning

The print illustrates a scene from Adelbert von Chamisso's story Peter Schlemihl's Wondrous Story, depicting Schlemihl's encounter with his shadow, and invites interpretation through its abstract representation.

Technique & Style

Characterized by bold, expressive shapes and a vibrant color palette of red, blue, green, and yellow hues, the work embodies Kirchner's Expressionist style, conveying a sense of dynamic energy and movement.

History & Provenance

Kirchner, a founding member of Die Brücke, faced political persecution under the Nazi regime, which labeled his art 'degenerate' and confiscated or destroyed many of his works.

Untitled
Untitled, Ernst Ludwig Kirchner

Artist & collection

Portrait of Ernst Ludwig Kirchner

Artist

Ernst Ludwig Kirchner

Ernst Ludwig Kirchner (6 May 1880 – 15 June 1938) was a German expressionist painter and printmaker.

MORE BY ERNST LUDWIG KIRCHNER

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This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.In the collection of National Gallery of Art. Compiled & edited by , Editor & Founder.

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Frequently asked questions

Who painted Peter Schlemihls wundersame Geschichte: Schlemihls Begegnung mit dem Schatten (Peter Schlemihl's Wondrous Story: Schlemihl's Encounter with His Shadow)?

Peter Schlemihls wundersame Geschichte: Schlemihls Begegnung mit dem Schatten (Peter Schlemihl's Wondrous Story: Schlemihl's Encounter with His Shadow) was painted by Ernst Ludwig Kirchner in 1915.

Where can I see Peter Schlemihls wundersame Geschichte: Schlemihls Begegnung mit dem Schatten (Peter Schlemihl's Wondrous Story: Schlemihl's Encounter with His Shadow)?

Peter Schlemihls wundersame Geschichte: Schlemihls Begegnung mit dem Schatten (Peter Schlemihl's Wondrous Story: Schlemihl's Encounter with His Shadow) is held by National Gallery of Art.

Can I buy a print of Peter Schlemihls wundersame Geschichte: Schlemihls Begegnung mit dem Schatten (Peter Schlemihl's Wondrous Story: Schlemihl's Encounter with His Shadow)?

Museum-quality prints of Peter Schlemihls wundersame Geschichte: Schlemihls Begegnung mit dem Schatten (Peter Schlemihl's Wondrous Story: Schlemihl's Encounter with His Shadow) are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.