Zwei Dressurpferde im Zirkus. Um 1909/10.
Chalk drawing.
With estate stamp of Kunstmuseum Basel (1570b) and with registration number "K Dre/Bl 3" on verso. On creme wove paper. 25,4 x 33,6 cm (10 x 13,2 in), size of sheet.

This work is documented in the Ernst Ludwig Kirchner Archive Wichtrach/Bern.

With his illustrations of circus life Kirchner was up-to-date with his contemporaries. Circus attractions had been popular with artists since the late 19\up5 th century, especially the famous circus scenes by French artists of Impressionism. Kirchner approached the motif his way. His drawings have the value of momentary stills supported by the swift but strong stroke. Kirchner is less interested in the circus environment than the motion itself, which also becomes obvious in our drawing. [KD].