Chalk drawing
With estate stamp of the Kunstmuseum Basel (Lugt 1570 b) and with registration number "K Da/Bf 87" on verso. On smooth cardboard. 50 x 35,2 cm (19,6 x 13,8 in), almost the full sheet
Preliminary study for the painting "Akt in Orange und Gelb" (cf. Gordon 938) from 1929/30.

PROVENANCE: From the artist's estate.
Private collection.

Bodies in motion seem to have taken over a predominant role in the late work of Ernst Ludwig Kirchner. Walking nudes had already been made the subject of his works in earlier times, but the palette of figures in motion is increased by the sports- and dance illustrations in which Kirchner attains a visualization of motion sequences.
The dauntlessly striding female nude must be regarded in the context of this study. The athletic-spontaneous motions add a special appeal to this drawing, which is even more supported by the dynamic stroke of the chalk. [KD].