This portrait is one of thousands stolen by the Nazis, and its story shows that the madness didn’t end with WWII.
Expressionism
Not a term chosen by the artists, it describes art that emphasized the emotional impact over descriptive accuracy.
Expressionism, an introduction
Kandinsky’s work of “total art” combines both abstract and representational images with rhythmic, mystical poetry.
Vasily Kandinsky, Klänge (Sounds)
In a series of multicolored prints, Nolde captured the awkward experience of watching a couple fight in public.
Emil Nolde, Young Couple
Kirchner’s claustrophobic city scene reflects on a culture where everything is for sale.
Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, Street, Berlin
The body’s expressive contortions reflect sculptural tradition, but Schiele used it to express the interior self.
Egon Schiele, Seated Male Nude (Self-Portrait)
Is Schiele’s haunted figure meant to be a famed Austrian artist or Jesus Christ—or both?
Egon Schiele, The Hermits
Jawlensky rejected the principles of his arts education in order to embrace Expressionism at its most extreme.
Alexej von Jawlensky, Young Girl in a ...
Kirchner defines his city with only the figures: there is not a building in view.
Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, Street, Dresden
What would this painting sound like? Yes, you read that right – this canvas blurs the lines between senses.
Vasily Kandinsky, Improvisation 28 (second version)
Kirchner is rendered unable to create or destroy in this nightmarish wartime painting.