Pastel and color chalks. With the estate stamp of the Kunstmuseum Basel (Lugt 1570 b) and the handwritten registration number “FS Be / Bl 1” on the reverse. On off-white laid paper (with the watermark “SLG”). 66.5 x 51.2 cm. , the full sheet.
With an additional full-page, partially colored drawing of a rider on a rearing horse on tzhe reverse. It is documented in several historical photographs by E. L. Kirchner (see Roland Scotti (ed.), Ernst Ludwig Kirchner. Das fotografische Werk, Bern 2005, cat. nos. 41, 241, 242, 332). [CH].

• A dynamic, lively drawing from the artist’s sought-after Berlin creative years.
• Rarity: color drawings of this size are extremely rare on the international auction market.
• Painted on both sides: with another full-sheet drawing documented on E. L. Kirchner’s photographs on the reverse.
• Upheaval and change: World War I marked a radical turning point in Kirchner’s life and work.
• Kirchner explored the motif of a rider on a rearing horse in several drawings, photographs, a print, a painting, and a wood sculpture around 1915.
• Part of the same private collection since 1979.
The work is documented in the Ernst Ludwig Kirchner Archive, Wichtrach/Bern.
LITERATURE: Stuttgarter Kunstkabinett Roman Norbert Ketterer, Stuttgart, 32nd Auction, Modern Art, 1958, lot 418 (illustrated, plate 59). Galeria Henze, Catalog 14, Campione d'Italia 1977, cat. no. 75 (illustrated). Galeria Henze, Catalog 18, Campione d'Italia 1978, cat. no. 80 (illustrated).

From the artist’s estate, Davos (1938). Erna Schilling (1884-1945), Davos (the artist’s partner, until 1945). Kunstmuseum Basel (on deposit with the remainder of the artist’s estate, 1946-1954). Stuttgarter Kunstkabinett Roman Norbert Ketterer, Stuttgart (1958). Galeria Henze, Campione d’Italia (until 1978). Galerie Utermann, Dortmund. Private collection (acquired from the above in 1979)

Large sheet, executed on both sides, in good condition. The edges of the image are slightly irregular: small areas of paper damage on the upper and right edges of the sheet, likely inherent to the work. The sheet shows slight mount staining, but the colors remain vibrant. The sheet is somewhat creased in the margins, with some inherent creases and small fold marks, though these do not impair the overall impression. Isolated light signs of rubbing and a few small tears in the edges of the sheet, professionally repaired. Tiny, isolated areas of color loss in the white part on the left edge of the image. Verso: Additional isolated foxing spots. The sheet is slightly unevenly browned. The condition report was compiled in daylight to the best of our knowledge and belief.