Frauenkopf c. 1915

Ernst Ludwig Kirchner rendered this portrait, *Frauenkopf*, in pencil on paper. The drawing is dominated by the woman’s face, framed by a bold hairstyle that adds a sculptural element. The yellow tone of the paper creates a warm ground that enhances the starkness of the linear strokes. Kirchner's expressive use of line conveys the model’s features. The deliberate strokes around the eyes and mouth capture a sense of introspection and perhaps a hint of melancholy. The composition is structurally sound, and yet it subtly destabilizes conventional portraiture through its simplification and directness. This portrait encourages us to consider how form can communicate complex emotional states. Consider how this exploration of form and emotion mirrors the broader artistic and philosophical movements of the early 20th century. It remains open to ongoing interpretation, inviting us to engage with Kirchner's vision.