Gewecke and Erna

1911

Moves to Berlin

In October 1911 Kirchner moved to Berlin; new themes entered his painting — life in the big city, its streets and architecture, the human types characteristic of the capital.

1911

Meets Erna Schilling

In the same month Kirchner met Erna Schilling, who later became his common-law wife.

1913

The “Brücke Chronicle” and the break-up of the group

In 1913 Kirchner wrote the “Chronicle of the Brücke group,” in which, his comrades felt, he overstated his own role in its creation; a quarrel followed, Kirchner left the Brücke and the group fell apart.

1913

First solo exhibition in Essen

In 1913 the Folkwang Museum in Essen held Kirchner’s first solo exhibition, which established his individual identity beyond the group.

September 1914

Volunteers for the First World War

In September 1914, at the outbreak of the First World War, Kirchner volunteered for military service.

1915

Driver training in Halle and discharge

In July 1915 Kirchner was sent to Halle an der Saale to train as a driver in the reserve unit of the 75th Mansfeld Field Artillery Regiment; after a mental breakdown his riding instructor, Professor Hans Fehr, arranged for Kirchner’s discharge from service.