The artwork titled “White Horse Performance Act” by Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, created between 1908 and 1909, is an oil on canvas piece associated with the Expressionism movement. As a genre painting, it vividly captures a performance scene featuring white horses.
In the artwork, four white horses are depicted, each with a vibrant plume atop its head, lined up side by side. They are presented under the care of a female figure dressed in a long green dress, who appears engaged in directing or presenting them. The background is filled with suggestive shapes and colors, providing an abstract representation of an audience or a circus environment. Bright, saturated colors such as yellows, oranges, and reds dominate the scene, emphasizing the lively and dynamic nature of the performance. The artist’s bold brushstrokes and striking use of color contribute to the expressive quality, evoking a sense of movement and celebration inherent to the depicted performance.
