Self-Portrait as a Soldier Flashcards

Study Notes

Self-Portrait as a Soldier

Title: "Self-Portrait as a Soldier" by Ernst Ludwig Kirchner.

Artist

Artist: Ernst Ludwig Kirchner (1880 - 1938), influential in German Expressionism.

Context and Historical Background

Created in 1915, amidst World War I; reflects the artist's personal turmoil and societal impact of war.
Kirchner grew up in Dresden, initially qualified as an engineer, but turned to art in 1905 to express deeper personal emotions.
He co-founded the group Die Brücke, aimed at bridging traditional and modern art, often focusing on marginalized subjects like prostitutes.
The artist enlisted in the artillery in 1914, avoiding infantry to escape front line combat.
Suffered a breakdown due to war's effects, leading to addiction to alcohol and morphine.

Composition

Features two figures, with Kirchner as the primary subject, depicted in a bust-length portrait.
Kirchner occupies the foreground and touches the canvas, suggesting emotional turmoil and confusion.
The backdrop consists of an unfinished painting and a black screen, creating claustrophobic feeling.

Use of Color and Light

Non-naturalistic colors used, with a sickly yellow face illustrating drained vitality.
Contrasting colors enhance emotional tension; bright colors in the background hint at lingering hope.
Stump of his hand is depicted in green, with red blood; emphasizes loss and trauma.

Brushwork and Technique

Brushwork is spontaneous, illustrating violence and strong emotion, echoing his inner turmoil.
Kirchner's method contrasts with traditional techniques, emphasizing raw expression over refined realism.

Dress/Clothing

Depicts accurate uniform of the Field Artillery Regiment, with identifiable badges symbolizing Prussia and the German Reich.

Artistic Style

Represents German Expressionism, characterized by emotional depth and distorted forms, developed in early 1900s Germany.
Kirchner's art reveals the complexities of modern life, urbanization, and personal despair under the influence of war.

Description

Test your knowledge about Ernst Ludwig Kirchner's masterpiece, 'Self-Portrait as a Soldier', created in 1915. This quiz covers key aspects such as the artist, medium, and location of the artwork. Perfect for art history enthusiasts and students alike.