The Wanderer

1919–1920

Health mends, exhibitions multiply

In 1919–1920 Kirchner’s health improved markedly: he was still dependent on morphine, but his doctor was slowly reducing the doses, and several exhibitions in Germany and Switzerland in 1920 strengthened his reputation. He grew close to the local farmers, who were amazed by his gramophone, and found many subjects among them.

c. 1920

Reviewing his own art under a pseudonym

To control public opinion of him and free himself from dependence on the art critics, Kirchner began writing critiques of his own art under the pseudonym Louis de Marsalle.

1921

A large exhibition in Berlin

In 1921 a major display of Kirchner’s work was held in Berlin, and the reviews were favourable.

May 1921

Meets the dancer Nina Hard

At the beginning of May 1921, in Zurich, Kirchner met Nina Hard and, despite Erna’s objections, invited her to Frauenkirch; the dancer became an important model and appears in many of his works.

1923

A large exhibition in Basel

In 1923 Kirchner organised a large exhibition of his work in Basel.

1923

Moves to the Wildboden house

In 1923 Kirchner moved to the Wildboden house, which looked over Frauenkirch and the Stafelalp on one side and Davos on the other; these landscapes became subjects of many of his paintings. In his diary he called the house a joy and a turning point of his life.