Still Life 1907

Ernst Ludwig Kirchner created this vibrant still life using woodcut, a printmaking technique. See how Kirchner carved his design directly into a block of wood? The grain is still visible, adding texture to the final image. Ink was applied to the raised surfaces, then printed onto paper. The process yields bold lines and flat planes of color. The result is an image with a raw, almost primitive energy. Woodcut has a long history, associated with folk art and mass production, from playing cards to textiles. Kirchner elevates this 'low' craft to fine art. It is a deliberate act, challenging the traditional hierarchy of art forms. He saw power in the directness and simplicity of woodcut, a way to express modern life with unflinching honesty. The decision to use this technique is important. It reflects a desire to break down barriers, and to find beauty and meaning in unexpected places. This is where we can see Kirchner not only as an artist, but as a craftsman, engaged with materials and processes in a deeply meaningful way.