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Young Girl with Doll

Ernst Ludwig Kirchner

1916

ink

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Early Modern

Dominant colour

Young Girl with Doll is a 1916 ink by Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: Ernst Ludwig Kirchner
When & what style?: 1916
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

This print shows a girl holding a doll, both drawn in sharp, angular lines. The girl’s face is serious, almost sad, with a simple headband. The doll looks like a smaller version of her, with a plain dress and a blank face. The background is dark, making the figures stand out. The artist used a scratchy, uneven style that feels raw and quick. It’s like the lines were made fast, almost like a sketch. This was printed using a method where the artist draws on a smooth stone, then presses ink into the lines. Want to see how this was made? Look up lithography.