The artwork, titled “Japanese,” was created by the artist Ernst Ludwig Kirchner in 1913. Employing the medium of oil on canvas, this piece belongs to the Expressionism and Japonism art movements. It measures 80 by 71 cm and is classified as a portrait. Currently, the artwork is housed in the Aargauer Kunsthaus located in Aargau, Switzerland.
In the artwork, vibrant and bold colors dominate the scene, capturing a figure with distinctly angular and exaggerated features, emblematic of Expressionism. The figure, adorned in a colorful, patterned garment, is depicted in a serene pose, seemingly reclining against a vivid, decorative backdrop that suggests traditional Japanese themes. The background is suffused with rich hues of red, yellow, and blue, with stylized natural elements contributing to the overall composition. The subject’s facial features are rendered in an expressive manner, evoking a sense of calm and introspection. This amalgamation of styles and cultural influences highlights Kirchner’s innovative approach to portraiture and his engagement with Japonism, reflecting both the emotional depth and the cross-cultural inspirations prevalent in his work.
