The artwork titled “Tower Room. Self Portrait with Erna” is a distinguished creation by the artist Ernst Ludwig Kirchner. This piece is emblematic of the Expressionism art movement and represents the genre of self-portrait.
The artwork portrays an introspective scene within a confined, intimate space referred to as the tower room. At the heart of the composition is a vivid depiction of Ernst Ludwig Kirchner himself, seated and engaging with the viewer. Adjacent to him stands a poised, unclothed female figure, identified as Erna, exuding an enigmatic presence. The room is bathed in deep, contrasting hues, characteristic of the Expressionist movement, employing bold strokes and a dramatic palette to convey intense emotion and psychological depth. The figures and surroundings are rendered in a stylized manner, eschewing realism in favor of a more abstract representation that intensifies the emotional resonance of the scene. This poignant artwork captures a moment of personal reflection and intimate interaction, contextualized within the broader framework of early 20th-century Expressionism.