Artwork
Three Bathers by Stones
Three Bathers by Stones is an ink print by Ernst Ludwig Kirchner. It dates from 1913 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
- Inscription
- Inscribed:lower right in graphite: E L Kirchner; by unknown hand, lower right in graphite: 75; by unknown hand, upper left verso in graphite: NO 75; by unknown hand, lower left verso in graphite: W 4863; by unknown hand, lCv//in graphite, circled: 282
About this work
Overview
Three Bathers by Stones is a 1913 color lithograph by Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, a key figure in the German Expressionist movement and co-founder of Die Brücke. The print features three nude female figures in a natural setting, characterized by vibrant, expressive colors and bold outlines on calendered paper.
Subject & Meaning
The lithograph depicts three women in various poses near stones, exploring the human figure, a common theme in Kirchner's work. Their interactions and emotions, however, are not explicitly defined, leaving interpretation open. The focus appears to be on capturing a moment of casual, everyday life.
Technique & Style
Kirchner employed bold, expressive colors (pink, blue, red, and black) with loose, hurried brushstrokes, reminiscent of scribbles. The calendered paper's textured surface enhances the vibrant, dynamic quality of the colors, contributing to the overall sense of energetic spontaneity.
History & Provenance
Created in 1913, this work reflects Kirchner's involvement with Die Brücke, influencing the development of Expressionism. Specific provenance details (ownership history) are not provided.
Context
Produced during a pivotal moment in Expressionist development, Three Bathers by Stones situates itself within the early 20th-century European art movement emphasizing emotional intensity and distorted forms. It contrasts with more traditional representations of nudes by emphasizing expressive, rather than realistic, qualities.
Legacy
As part of Kirchner's oeuvre, the piece contributes to the broader legacy of Die Brücke and German Expressionism, inspiring subsequent movements with its expressive and emotive approach to figure representation. Direct, specific influences or notable exhibitions featuring this work are not detailed.
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.
![Dance Hall Bellevue [obverse], by Ernst Ludwig Kirchner](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/ernst-ludwig-kirchner--dance-hall-bellevue-obverse--d1e14aac4297c69e-w320.webp)
![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)
