The artwork, titled “Frankfurter Westhafen,” was created by Ernst Ludwig Kirchner in 1916. This cityscape, rendered in oil on canvas, is a notable example of the Expressionism movement. The painting’s dimensions are 84 by 95 centimeters, and it is currently housed at the Folkwang Museum in Essen, Germany.
The artwork depicts a dynamic and bustling scene at the Westhafen (West Harbor) in Frankfurt. It captures the essence of industrial activity with vibrant colors and bold brushstrokes typical of Expressionism. The composition includes prominent elements such as boats, industrial structures, and workers, all rendered in a stylized and somewhat exaggerated manner. The use of contrasting colors such as bright yellows, blues, and reds, along with the distinctive angular forms, creates a sense of movement and energy, reflecting the artist’s aim to evoke emotional responses from the viewer. The merging of abstract and figurative forms showcases Kirchner’s unique artistic vision and his contribution to the Expressionist movement.
