Tangotee

Ernst Ludwig Kirchner's "Tangotee" from 1920 captures the vibrant, yet often unsettling, spirit of post-World War I urban life, a theme he explored extensively after moving to Berlin in 1911. While the specific medium for this work isn't listed, Kirchner was a prolific printmaker and painter, known for his bold use of color and jagged forms, particularly as a founder of the Expressionist group Die Brücke. After his discharge from military service due to a breakdown during World War I, Kirchner's art often reflected his psychological turmoil and critical view of modern society. This piece, created while he was living in Davos, Switzerland, after a period of mental and physical recovery, likely continues his exploration of city scenes and figures, albeit perhaps with a new perspective gained from his time away from the urban hustle. His earlier 'Straßenszenen' (street scenes) series (1913-1915) depicted the frenetic energy and alienation of Berlin, often featuring streetwalkers, and 'Tangotee' would fit into his continued fascination with social interactions and public spaces.