The Visit – Couple and Newcomer (1922)

In the vividly colorful and expressive painting titled "The Visit – Couple and Newcomer" (1922) by Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, viewers are drawn into an intimate domestic scene marked by striking hues and emotional depth. The painting captures a moment of greeting or interaction between three figures: two men and a woman.In the left part of the composition, a woman, dressed in a dark blue gown with striped detailing, is depicted bowing slightly as she extends a welcoming hand to a man in a greenish suit who has just entered the scene. This guest appears somewhat formal or hesitant in his grey hair and distinguished attire, suggesting he might be a figure of respect or authority.To the right, another man is seen seated comfortably in an ornately patterned chair, smoking a pipe. His relaxed posture and casual engagement in smoking might suggest his familiarity with the setting, possibly portraying him as the host or a permanent resident of the house.Behind these figures, the artist has employed a palette of warm reds, yellows, and greens, creating a backdrop that feels both vibrant and dynamic. The artwork strays from realistic depiction, leaning towards abstraction and emotion conveyed through color and form—characteristic of Kirchner’s expressionist style.Viewers are left to ponder the relationships and undercurrents between these characters, as Kirchner masterfully uses color and composition to evoke a sense of tension and engagement among the figures.