Expressionist Portrait of a Woman with Cigarette, after Ernst Ludwig Kirchner

Story

In the years leading up to World War I, a group of young rebels in Dresden decided that art should no longer be a mirror to reality, but a scream from the soul.

Maker / Origin

Ernst Ludwig Kirchner was a visionary who sought to bridge the gap between the old world and the new, often living in a communal studio in a former butcher shop to stay close to the 'raw' side of life.

Condition & Value

The painting shows some surface grime and minor scuffing consistent with age. The gold-painted frame has significant wear and some loss of finish, which actually adds to its 'found object' bohemian charm. The board appears stable, though a professional cleaning would likely make those 'acidic' colors pop significantly more.