Nackte Mädchen unterhalten sich 

Ernst Ludwig Kirchner created this oil painting, "Nackte Mädchen unterhalten sich," or "Naked Girls Conversing," sometime around 1909. The bold, unnatural colors and simplified forms are hallmarks of German Expressionism, a movement that sought to convey intense emotion through art. Painted in Dresden, Germany, this work reflects the cultural currents of its time. Kirchner, along with other artists, formed "Die Brücke," or "The Bridge," a group that aimed to bridge traditional art with a more modern, individual expression. They were fascinated by the vitality of urban life, but also critical of its alienation. The figures' nudity challenges the conservative norms of early 20th-century Germany, while the unconventional color palette rejects academic painting traditions. To understand Kirchner's motivations, one can consult manifestos and letters from Die Brücke, along with period critiques of the art world. Art history reminds us that art is always embedded in social and institutional contexts.