Blonder Maler. – Bildnis Karl Stirner 1919

This woodcut print by Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, titled "Blonder Maler. – Bildnis Karl Stirner" from 1919, depicts the artist's friend, Karl Stirner. It is a portrait of Stirner’s head and shoulders, with a stark, angular style, emphasizing the sharp lines and geometric shapes characteristic of Kirchner's Expressionist aesthetic. The subject’s face is depicted in a bold, vibrant red, contrasted against a cool, deep blue background, creating a striking visual effect. The use of strong lines and contrasting colors emphasizes the emotional intensity and expressiveness of the work. The woodcut, which is now part of the Städel Museum collection, exemplifies the emotional depth and raw power of Kirchner's Expressionist style, giving a glimpse into the anxieties and emotions of the artist during the tumultuous era of the early 20th century.