“Artillerymen,” an oil on canvas artwork created in 1915 by Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, exemplifies the Expressionism movement and belongs to the genre of genre painting. This oeuvre is currently housed in the National Gallery in Oslo, Norway.
The artwork portrays a group of nude, elongated figures in a confined, almost claustrophobic space. The figures convey a sense of anguish and turmoil, their bodies contorted and their faces stark, reflecting the emotional intensity characteristic of Expressionism. Central to the scene is a large, cylindrical column that imposes a sense of division within the chaotic gathering. The palette is dominated by muted yet intense hues, with striking uses of yellow, brown, and blue, contributing to the feeling of unease and unrest. The brushstrokes are vigorous and expressive, adding to the dynamic and somewhat disquieting nature of the work. The overall composition encapsulates Kirchner’s response to the tumultuous period of World War I, channeling the profound despair and dislocation experienced by soldiers and society at large.
