Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, Circus (Circus rider), 1913 by Atelier Liesjes

The painting shows a dynamic circus scene in which an acrobat in a pink costume performs a stunt on a white horse with red spots. The acrobat balances upside down on the back of the galloping horse, in the middle of a circular arena. All around, spectators and other circus performers can be seen dressed in colourful and theatrical costumes. The background is filled with an audience on stands, adding to the atmosphere of spectacle and excitement. Kirchner uses powerful, expressive brushstrokes and vibrant colours to capture movement and emotion. The work exudes the energy and theatricality of the circus, typical of the expressionism in which Kirchner excelled.

Ernst Ludwig Kirchner (1880-1938) was a German expressionist painter, graphic artist and sculptor, and one of the founders of the artists' group Die Brücke (1905-1913).
Born in Aschaffenburg, he initially studied architecture in Dresden, but in 1905, together with Erich Heckel, Karl Schmidt-Rottluff and Fritz Bleyl, founded Die Brücke - a key group in the rise of German expressionism. The group sought to bridge tradition and modern freedom, inspired by primitive art (African and Oceanic), Van Gogh, Munch and wood prints.

Kirchner's style was purely expressionist:
bright, non-naturalistic colours
angular, simplified shapes
rough brushstrokes

He expressed inner emotions and modern alienation rather than realistic representation, with influences of primitivism (flat shapes, mask-like faces).