Köpfe zweier alter Bauern (Original Title) 1920

Ernst Ludwig Kirchner created this intaglio print, titled "Köpfe zweier alter Bauern," which translates to "Heads of Two Old Farmers." Kirchner's distinctive method involved etching lines into a metal plate, applying ink to the recesses, and then pressing paper against the plate to transfer the image. The resulting print showcases a stark contrast between light and shadow, with the etched lines defining the figures' coarse features. The linear quality and the use of hatching to create tonal variation reflect Kirchner's interest in the expressive potential of printmaking. His choice of subject matter, the weathered faces of farmers, imbued the print with a sense of social realism, indicative of the labor and hardship of rural life. The directness of the printmaking process—the artist's hand physically carving into the metal—mirrors the roughness of the farmers' existence. Paying close attention to the materials, the making process, and the social context allows for a comprehensive grasp of the artwork's significance, challenging traditional divisions between fine art and craft.