Zwei Mädchen bei der Toilette 1909

Ernst Ludwig Kirchner made this drawing of two girls at their toilette with crayons, and it’s all about the raw energy of color meeting line. It's like watching a dance of marks, each crayon stroke a step in a lively, improvisational process. Look closely, and you'll see how the colors aren't just laid down; they’re scrubbed and layered, creating a rough, almost tactile surface. The red and green in the skirts feel almost electric against the pale figures, don’t they? Notice that vibrant yellow floral wallpaper which sets off the figures. The way Kirchner uses these colors – transparent yet dense – gives the drawing an emotional punch. It’s as if he’s not just showing us a scene, but also sharing a feeling, a mood. Kirchner was, of course, part of Die Brücke, and you can see the influence of other expressionists like Heckel. But even within that context, his work stands out for its almost reckless honesty. There's a wonderful kind of searching, questioning and openness in his work.