Three Bathers in the Sea

Ernst Ludwig Kirchner

1914

crayon

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Early Modern Nude

About this work

This sketch shows three people in the water, drawn in quick, rough lines. Two stand close together, their arms raised, while the third sits on the shore, legs bent. The waves and rocks around them are simple shapes, almost like scribbles. The artist used only black crayon, making everything stand out against the white paper. The lines are loose and uneven, giving it a sketchy, unfinished feel. If you like this style, look up Kirchner, Ernst Ludwig.