The Railway

Ernst Ludwig Kirchner's The Railway is part of a renowned Expressionism series created between 1913 and 1915 that vividly captures Berlin's transformation into a bustling metropolis. The works, including 11 paintings, pencil paper sketches, ink brush drawings, pastels, and prints, depict the frenetic energy and sensual allure of city life. Often featuring prostitutes, they serve as metaphors for urban modernity. Many pieces stem from sketch and study processes, emphasizing spontaneous pencil marks and dynamic compositions that exemplify Expressionism’s emotional intensity and raw portrayal of contemporary society.