“Spring (Königstein)” is a work of art by Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, dated 1916. This piece is executed in pencil and watercolor on paper, measuring 39.3 by 32.3 cm. It represents the Expressionist movement and is categorized as a sketch and study.
The artwork displays a loose and sketchy representation of a figure, possibly female, reclining in a casual pose. The lines are quick and appear to be drawn with confidence, with minimal detail and definition. It employs a very limited color palette, as much of the imagery relies on the pencil work. The use of negative space and the visible paper texture play a significant role in the artwork’s aesthetic. There are some watercolor elements–subtle but discernible–that add a touch of color to the composition. The style is characteristic of Expressionism, emphasizing emotional experience over physical reality, with a focus on personal expression and the inner feelings, which is conveyed through the artwork’s gestural and simplified forms.
