Drei Knaben (Söhne Fehr) 1915

Ernst Ludwig Kirchner created this woodcut, ‘Drei Knaben’ (or ‘Three Boys’) with a chisel, gouge, and knife, cutting into a block of wood. I can imagine the physical effort required to carve away at the block of wood – decisions had to be decisive! The rough, angular lines create a stark contrast between light and shadow. The faces of the three boys are striking. Their gazes are intense and direct, engaging the viewer. Look at the boy in the centre, what is he holding in his hands? It almost looks like he is playing an imaginary musical instrument! Kirchner was a master of German Expressionism and his bold use of line and form speaks to other woodcut artists, like Edvard Munch. He’s part of an ongoing conversation. Ultimately, this print leaves us with more questions than answers, and that’s ok. It invites us to consider the complexities of human relationships and the expressive possibilities of printmaking.