“Königstein and railway,” created by Ernst Ludwig Kirchner in 1916, is an expressionist landscape artwork that measures 8.5 x 9.5 cm and resides in a private collection. The artwork captures the essence of Expressionism, characterized by its dramatic use of bold lines and dynamic forms.
In “Königstein and railway,” Kirchner depicts a scenic landscape dominated by a large, imposing hill crowned with a structure, likely a fortress or lookout, situated amidst a flowing railway. The artwork radiates an intense energy through its swirling lines and exaggerated forms, evoking the tumultuous and emotional nature of Expressionism. The intertwining railway lines and structures around the hill illustrate an industrial presence intertwined with the natural environment. The piece is rendered in a monochromatic palette, enhancing the stark contrasts and the dramatic interplay of light and shadow, adding to the evocative power and mood of the scene.
