The artwork titled “Witch and Scarecrow in the Snow” was created by Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, an influential German expressionist artist, between 1930 and 1932. This oil on canvas painting measures 70 x 60 cm and belongs to the Expressionism movement, which is known for its bold use of color and dramatic expression of emotion. The genre of this painting is classified as landscape, which encompasses settings within nature, though it clearly includes figurative elements as well.
Depicted in the painting are two prominent figures that stand out against a snowy landscape. Both figures are stylized with exaggerated forms and vibrant colors which are characteristic of Kirchner’s expressionist style. The figure on the left appears to be a witch, adorned with a pointed hat and red accents, while the one on the right resembles a scarecrow, with its arms stretched out and a red cloth cascading from its hat. The background consists of rolling hills and snow-covered ground, executed in a limited color palette dominated by shades of blue, white, and pink, creating a stark contrast with the vivid reds of the figures. The painting is dynamic and conveys a sense of motion through swirling lines and the elongated shapes of the figures, capturing the essence of expressionist art by evoking emotional responses from its viewers.
