Portrait of David M., from the portfolio "New European Graphics, Portfolio V: German Artists" Possibly 1919 - 1922

Editor: This is Ernst Ludwig Kirchner's "Portrait of David M.," part of the "New European Graphics" portfolio. The stark black and white of the woodcut gives it a very intense feel. What symbols or meanings do you find embedded in this image? Curator: Notice how Kirchner uses these sharp, angular lines to depict David M. It’s almost violent, isn’t it? This tension echoes the pre-war unease and the psychological impact of a rapidly changing world. What emotions does the portrait evoke in you? Editor: I feel a sense of anxiety and fragmentation. I hadn't thought about it reflecting a pre-war atmosphere. Curator: Indeed, the visual distortion mirrors the distortion of values and societal norms at the time. These aren't just lines; they're cultural anxieties etched in wood. Editor: That's a really insightful way to look at it! I'll definitely remember that.