In-text plate from Kirchner Zeichnungen (Kirchner Drawings)

Art Historical Context

Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, a German Expressionist and co-founder of the Die Br group, created this in-text plate as part of his 1925 publication *Kirchner Zeich* (Kirchner Drawings). Produced during his later years in Switzerland, after the turmoil of World War I and personal struggles, the book reflects Kirchner's shift toward introspective works while showcasing his mastery of printmaking. This bound volume—measuring 27 × 21 × 2 cm—contains 17 woodcuts, including title page, front, and back covers, plus three photomechanical relief prints of his drawings on coated paper, offering visitors a intimate glimpse into his dynamic sketchbook world. Woodcuts were ideal for Kirchner's bold, angular style, allowing him to carve expressive lines directly into wood blocks for a raw, textured quality that echoed Expressionism's emotional intensity. The photomechanical prints added fidelity to his original drawings, blending traditional craftsmanship with emerging reproductive techniques. As a complete artist-made book, it highlights Kirchner's hands-on approach to dissemination, bypassing commercial publishers. Generously gifted to the National Gallery of Art by Ruth Cole Kainen, this volume (Department CG-W) stands as a testament to Kirchner's enduring influence on modern printmaking, inviting viewers to trace the vitality of his hand in every stark contour.

About the Artist

Ernst Ludwig Kirchner · 1880–1938

Ernst Ludwig Kirchner was born on May 6, 1880, in Aschaffenburg, Germany, to parents Ernst and Maria Kirchner, part of a family of Prussian descent that frequently relocated due to his father's career as a chemical technician. After early schooling in various towns, he studied architecture at the Königliche Technische Hochschule (Technical University) in Dresden from 1901 to 1905, taking courses i...