Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, Königstein und Julius Hembus

This volume functions as a specialized documentation of the artistic dialogue between the German Expressionist Ernst Ludwig Kirchner and his younger contemporary, the painter Julius Hembus. Published by Galerie Hellhof in 2003, the book situates itself within the context of Kirchner's formative years in the Taunus region, specifically during his time in Königstein. It highlights the mentorship and mutual influence shared between the two artists, providing a focused examination of how the landscape and social environment of the early twentieth century shaped their aesthetic development.

The publication serves primarily as a retrospective archive, collecting letters, sketches, and canvases that illustrate a brief but significant artistic intersection. By juxtaposing Kirchner’s bold, angular style with Hembus’s approach to the same subjects, the book offers insight into the evolution of German modernism. It was received by art historians as a valuable resource for contextualizing Kirchner’s later work through the lens of his interactions with Hembus, effectively bridging the gap between established Expressionist canon and lesser-documented regional contributions.