The artwork titled “Red Elisabeth Riverbank, Berlin” was created by Ernst Ludwig Kirchner between 1912 and 1913. It is an oil painting on canvas and belongs to the Expressionism art movement, specifically depicting a cityscape. This artwork is held at the Neue Pinakothek in Munich, Germany.
In “Red Elisabeth Riverbank, Berlin,” one can observe the distinct hallmarks of Expressionism through Kirchner’s use of bold, vibrant colors and dynamic, unrestrained brushstrokes. The artwork captures a segment of Berlin, with a prominent red building, an arched bridge over a river, and leafless trees lining the riverbank. The scene is configured with a sense of urgency and emotion, highlighted by the exaggerated and somewhat distorted architectural forms. The red hues dominate the composition, invoking a sense of intensity and liveliness, while the dark outlines add to the dramatic impact. The sky, rendered in muted purples and greys, contrasts with the vivid reds and other colors, creating a striking visual tension. The overall aesthetic immerses the viewer into the energetic and expressive character of early 20th-century Berlin.