img322 Ernst Ludwig Kirchner (1880-1938)

The drawing presents a portrait study executed in charcoal or a similar dry medium. The subject is a woman depicted from the chest upwards, her gaze directed towards the viewer with a certain intensity. Her hair, rendered with energetic, sweeping strokes, frames her face and contributes significantly to the overall dynamism of the composition.
Here we see an emphasis on angularity; the planes of the face are sharply defined, lending a sense of severity or perhaps introspection to her expression. The artist has employed a limited tonal range – primarily blacks and grays – which enhances the dramatic effect and focuses attention on the subject’s features. A distinct highlight appears on the cheekbone, drawing the eye towards it.
The background is largely obscured by charcoal smudging, creating an atmospheric depth that isolates the figure. The texture of the paper itself contributes to the works visual interest, with its rough surface adding a tactile quality.
A secondary face, partially visible and overlapping the woman’s shoulder, introduces a layer of complexity. This ghostly presence is rendered in a more blurred and indistinct manner than the primary subject, suggesting a memory, a reflection, or perhaps an emotional connection that remains elusive. The positioning of this second face – pressed close to the womans form – implies intimacy or entanglement.
The drawing’s subtexts revolve around themes of identity, introspection, and potentially, relationships. The stark contrast between the sharply defined primary figure and the blurred secondary presence suggests a tension between self-awareness and the influence of others. It is possible that the work explores the complexities of memory and how past experiences shape our present selves. The overall effect is one of quiet intensity and psychological depth.