The image contains strong angular lines and a mix of geometric and organic shapes, forming an abstract composition. In the center, deep purple and black shapes resemble a figure draped in a cloak. Surrounding this central shape are sharp, fragmented lines and patterns in red and black. A red circular form is positioned above the purple shape, resembling an umbrella. The composition hints at an outdoor scene with stylized foliage and figures.
Gallery mode Full size at the museum

Window mode follows your eyes with your camera, in this browser only: no picture or position leaves your device.

Peter Schlemihls wundersame Geschichte: Der Verkauf des Schattens (Peter Schlemihl's Wondrous Story: The Sale of His Shadow)

Ernst Ludwig Kirchner (German, 1880 - 1938)

1915

Medium
color woodcut printed from two blocks on medium thick wove paper
Classification
Print
Dimensions
block: 32.2 x 22.1 cm (12 11/16 x 8 11/16 in.) ; sheet: 41 x 34.8 cm (16 1/8 x 13 11/16 in.)
Culture
German
Museum
National Gallery of Art, CG-W
Credit line
New Century Fund and Gift of Ruth and Jacob Kainen
Rights
Public domain (NGA Open Access, CC0), as the museum states it.
Who can see it
Teens profiles and older: its museum says too little about what it shows to place it for younger viewers. How works are placed

View at the National Gallery of Art