Leipzig Street Crossing, Berlin

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.

1913

First showing in the US: the Armory Show

In 1913 Kirchner’s work was shown publicly in the United States for the first time, at the Armory Show, the first major display of modern art in America.

September 1914

Volunteers for the First World War

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

1914–1915

War as a “bloody carnival”

Kirchner saw the war as a “bloody carnival” and tried to cope with attacks of panic with alcohol and morphine.

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.