Kirchner’s drawings of children/3
by Eric Verbist (Brussels)
…and yet sometimes a little bit mischievous…
In several issues of the humoristic magazine Sect, Blätter für Fröhliche Laune, some examples can be found of children who seem puzzled by the sophisticated affective lives their parents and relatives lead; the humoristic touch of these drawings, that are always accompanied by some text lines, originates from the innocent comments of the children which have double meanings for the grown-ups.
Kirchner would indeed not be quite himself without a touch of subtle humour and some mild - but never vulgar! - innuendo…
The stern teacher
- Is your schoolmistress very strict?
- Every day she goes to daddy’s room to complain about us, and then she stays there for a full hour.
Sect - Blätter für Fröhliche Laune, III (1905), n° 25, p. 13.
Zoological matters
- You may take it from me that our nanny is a false cat.
- But mummy, why does she call daddy then little mouse?
Sect - Blätter für Fröhliche Laune, IV (1906), n° 2, p. 15.
Our little ones
- Is your sister married?
- No.
- But she has a child, no?
- Yes, but she got it from Love!
Sect - Blätter für Fröhliche Laune, III (1905), n° 51, p. 13.
Modern youth
Daddy has so much money; no doubt we will get married out of love.
Sect - Blätter für Fröhliche Laune, IV (1906), n° 36, p. 5.
A childish representation
- You see, Daisy, I’m going to a ball - that’s something for the grown-ups, a bit like when you children are playing with each other.
- But mummy, do you think all gentlemen will want to play with you when you aren’t even wearing a complete dress?
Sect - Blätter für Fröhliche Laune, IV (1906), n° 15, p. 16.
The Berlin years
Sect - Blätter für Fröhliche Laune, IV (1906), n° 45, p. 4.
Illustration drawn by Kirchner for the monthly Culina of January 1909 and reused other times by the same
periodical, also in July 1935.
Although Kirchner died in 1917, his drawings continued to be published
since they were still current and attractive.
Last updated on November, 20th, 2022