Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, Nollendorfplatz, 1912 by Atelier Liesjes

The painting shows a lively and chaotic scene of Berlin city life around Nollendorfplatz square, probably in the evening. Kirchner uses expressive brushstrokes and bright colours such as yellow, green and black to capture the dynamism and energy of the city. Several yellow trams cut through the image, while dark, silhouetted figures populate the street. The buildings are distorted and angular, contributing to a sense of movement and alienation. The work is a powerful example of German expressionism, in which Kirchner presents the modern city as overwhelming and alienating.

Ernst Ludwig Kirchner (1880-1938) was a German Expressionist painter, graphic artist and sculptor, and one of the founders of the artist group Die Brücke (1905-1913).
Born in Aschaffenburg, he initially studied architecture in Dresden, but in 1905, together with Erich Heckel, Karl Schmidt-Rottluff and Fritz Bleyl, founded Die Brücke - a key group in the rise of German expressionism. The group sought to bridge tradition and modern freedom, inspired by primitive art (African and Oceanic), Van Gogh, Munch and wood prints.

Kirchner's style was purely expressionist:
bright, non-naturalistic colours
angular, simplified shapes
rough brushstrokes

He expressed inner emotions and modern alienation rather than realistic representation, with influences of primitivism (flat shapes, mask-like faces).