The artwork “Woman at Tea Time: Sick Woman” was created by Ernst Ludwig Kirchner in 1914. This oil on canvas painting is an expression of the Expressionist movement, categorized as a genre painting. It is currently housed in the Neue Pinakothek in Munich, Germany.
Depicting a domestic scene, the painting features two figures in an intimate setting. The main subject appears to be a woman reclining on a chair or sofa, possibly draped in blankets, which suggests the title’s reference to her ailment. Her posture and facial expression convey a sense of fatigue or discomfort. Another figure, seemingly female, is seated beside her, gesturing in a manner that might indicate conversation or care for the sick woman. The color palette is bold and vibrant, with heavy use of greens, blues, and oranges, creating a dramatic and emotional atmosphere typical of Kirchner’s expressionistic style. The brushwork is dynamic, with thick, impasto strokes that add a sense of urgency or tension to the scene. The background is abstracted, with shapes that might imply a simplified indoor or outdoor space, staying true to the Expressionist focus on emotional expression over realistic representation.