Description
Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, one of the most prominent figures of German expressionism, captures in "the return of animals" (return of the animals) a complex interaction between the natural and the human through its characteristic plastic language. Painted in 1920, this work stands out for its living composition and the bold use of color, elements that are fundamental in Kirchner's work, who sought to express intense emotions and a subjective vision of the world that surrounded it.
The painting presents a landscape where nature seems to come alive, inhabited by a multitude of animals that move to the viewer. The way in which the different elements are arranged in the fabric creates a feeling of movement, as if the animals were emerging from a different world to ours. The vibrant and contrasting colors, of a palette that includes tones of green, blue and brown, contribute to an almost dreamlike atmosphere. This use of color not only establishes the emotional tone of the work, but also highlights the instinctive connection between human beings and nature, a recurring theme in Kirchner's work.
As for the characters, you can see a series of stylized animals that seem to have an almost anthropomorphic quality, which is typical of the approach that Kirchner had towards the representation of the natural world. However, the artist does not focus on realistic details, but rendering to his subjects so that they highlight the forms and contours, causing a visceral reaction in the viewer. This way of representing animals suggests a reflection on instinct and freedom, concepts that Kirchner valued deeply, especially in the context of his own life and social turbulence of the time.
The work can also be interpreted as a criticism of the alienation of modern society, where connection with nature is lost in the midst of progress and urbanization. Kirchner, who was a great observer of the relationship between the human being and his environment, uses "the return of animals" to launch a cry that resonates the importance of recovering that lost connection. In this sense, his work becomes a social comment that remains relevant today, in a time marked by disconnection with the natural world.
Stylistically, Kirchner stands in the tradition of expressionism that broke with the canons of academic realism. He used an emotional and vigorous pictorial technique, using rapid and wide brushstrokes that prevent meticulous precision. This technical freedom can be fully appreciated in "the return of animals", where the surface of the paint seems to vibrate with energy. This vitality is related to other works by Kirchner and his contemporaries, who also explored subjectivity and emotional experience as the foundation of their work.
Through "the return of animals", Kirchner not only offers a visual feast that attracts the viewer's attention, but also invites a deeper reflection on our relationship with the natural environment and the animality that lives in all of us. This work is undoubtedly a testimony of his mastery and his ability to translate the emotional tumult of his time in a contemplative and provocative way.
KUADROS ©, a famous paint on your wall.
Hand-made oil painting reproductions, with the quality of professional artists and the distinctive seal of KUADROS ©.
Art reproduction service with satisfaction guarantee. If you are not completely satisfied with the replica of your painting, we refund your money 100%.