Sich anbietende Kokotte

Details

ERNST LUDWIG KIRCHNER (1880-1938)
Sich anbietende Kokotte
etching, 1914, on wove paper, a superb, vibrant impression of this exceptionally rare print, printed with selectively wiped tone, signed and inscribed 'Eigenthum E L Kirchner Davos - Pl.', with the pencil title 'Aussprache auf der Strasse', and with various other pencil annotations in the lower margin, with margins, a split 47mm. along or just within the upper right edge of the platemark, one or two short, fine splits and small thin areas at the upper right, a few fine printer's creases towards the right, a few scattered, unobtrusive foxmarks, lesser defects, otherwise generally in good condition, framed
P. 13¾ x 10 5/8in. (35.2 x 27.2cm.)
S. 15¾ x 11½in. (40.3 x 29.3cm.)

Literature

G. Schiefler, Die Graphik Ernst Ludwig Kirchners, Berlin, 1924-31, no. 186
A. and W.-D. Dube, E. L. Kirchner, Das graphische Werk, Munich, 1967, no. 182 aII

Lot Essay

Sich anbietende Kokotte is unique amongst the small group of 1914 Berlin street-scene etchings in focusing on only two individuals and showing the direct confrontation between a cocotte and a prospective client.

A related, very hastily worked pencil sketch exists (private collection) which was presumably drawn from life. The artist then developed this into the more elaborate and highly worked etching.

The composition is made up of both short and long diagonal strokes which appear to emanate from the centre of the picture, focusing the viewer's attention on the figure of the cocotte. The dynamism of the strokes is typical of the artist's finest work of this period.

Kirchner interpreted his Berlin street-scenes as expressions of loneliness and Angst. In his diary of 24 August 1919 he wrote:

"Sie sind entstanden in den Jahren 11-14, in einer der einsamsten Zeiten meines Lebens, in der mich eine qualvolle Unruhe Tag und Nacht immer wieder hinaustrieb, in die langen Strassen voller Menschen und Wagen." (Quoted in Magdalena M. Moeller, Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, Meisterwerke der Druckgraphik, Hatje, Stuttgart, 1990, p.184)

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