Questions and Answers
What is the title of the artwork?
Self-Portrait as a Soldier
Who is the artist of 'Self-Portrait as a Soldier'?
Ernst Ludwig Kirchner
What year was 'Self-Portrait as a Soldier' created?
1915
What medium was used in 'Self-Portrait as a Soldier'?
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What are the dimensions of 'Self-Portrait as a Soldier'?
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Where is 'Self-Portrait as a Soldier' located?
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What is the significance of Kirchner's background?
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What is the style of 'Self-Portrait as a Soldier'?
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What visual elements are present in the composition of 'Self-Portrait as a Soldier'?
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How does Kirchner use color and light in his self-portrait?
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What does Kirchner’s brushwork convey in 'Self-Portrait as a Soldier'?
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What does Kirchner's clothing in the painting represent?
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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.
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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.
