Sitzendes Mädchen (Original Title) 1910

This woodcut, 'Seated Girl' by Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, features a stark, expressionist style, dominated by the contrast between the naked figure of a girl and a primitive mask. The mask, with its simplified features and hollow eyes, evokes ancient tribal rituals. The motif of the mask has appeared across cultures, from Greek theatre to African ceremonies, symbolizing transformation or the presence of hidden forces. Here, the mask serves as a haunting reminder of the primal aspects of human existence. Compare it to the grotesque masks found in medieval carnivals, where the subversion of social norms was briefly allowed. The mask might represent the hidden aspects of the girl’s own identity, her subconscious urges. The rough cuts of the woodblock print add to the raw, emotional intensity of the scene, reflecting the anxieties and fascination with the primitive of the early 20th century.