Bildnis einer Frau im Sessel c. 1912

This is Ernst Ludwig Kirchner's sketch, “Portrait of a Woman in an Armchair”, now at the Städel Museum. Kirchner was a leading figure in the German Expressionist group Die Brücke. This sketch provides us with an intimate glimpse into the artist’s world and the social dynamics of early 20th-century Germany. The woman's downcast gaze and the figures lurking in the background evoke a sense of unease and alienation. The sketch captures a fleeting moment, charged with emotion and psychological depth. Kirchner was known for capturing raw emotion, and this work is no different. His art was later condemned as degenerate by the Nazis. As the world around him collapsed, so did his mental health, leading to his suicide in 1938. Kirchner noted "Colors are the real elementary forces, much more important than form," This work may not feature color, but it still conveys a lot of feeling. As you contemplate this sketch, consider the unspoken stories it holds.