Modern Art — A467: Modern, Post War & Contemporary
Alexander Porfyrovych Archipenko (Russian: Александр Порфирьевич Архипенко) was a Ukrainian-American artist, renowned for his innovative contributions to modern sculpture and painting. Born in Kyiv, Ukraine, then part of the Russian Empire, Archipenko defied traditional art forms by integrating elements of Cubism, constructing sculptures that emphasized abstraction and form over realistic representation.
Archipenko's work is distinguished by its creative use of materials and exploration of space and volume. He was among the first to employ negative space as a sculptural element, a technique that would influence countless artists in the years to follow. His sculptures often depicted the human form in fragmented or reassembled states, challenging viewers' perceptions and expectations.
Notable works by Archipenko, such as "Woman Combing Her Hair" and "Walking," can be found in prestigious museums and galleries worldwide, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Centre Pompidou in Paris. These pieces exemplify his talent for blending sculptural depth with dynamic motion, making him a pivotal figure in the transition from traditional to modern art.
For collectors and experts in art and antiques, Archipenko's oeuvre represents a fascinating intersection of culture, innovation, and artistic evolution. His ability to transcend cultural boundaries while pioneering new forms and techniques in both sculpture and painting places him among the most influential artists of the 20th century.
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Lovis Corinth was a German artist and writer whose mature work as a painter and printmaker realized a synthesis of impressionism and expressionism.
Corinth studied in Paris and Munich, joined the Berlin Secession group, later succeeding Max Liebermann as the group's president. His early work was naturalistic in approach. Corinth was initially antagonistic towards the expressionist movement, but after a stroke in 1911 his style loosened and took on many expressionistic qualities. His use of color became more vibrant, and he created portraits and landscapes of extraordinary vitality and power. Corinth's subject matter also included nudes and biblical scenes.
Wilhelm Heinrich Otto Dix was a German artist whose work stands as a stark, unyielding reflection of the societal tumult and trauma of the early 20th century. Born in 1891 in Untermhaus, Germany, Dix's early life was steeped in the arts, his ambition to become an artist nurtured by both familial influence and formal education in Dresden. His experiences as a soldier in World War I deeply influenced his artistic direction, leading him to vividly depict the horrors of war and the decay of the Weimar Republic with a brutal realism that became his signature style.
Dix's association with the Dada movement and the New Objectivity (Neue Sachlichkeit) further honed his critical, often cynical portrayal of post-war society. His works, such as "The Trench" and "War Cripples," expose the visceral aftermath of conflict, while his engagement with the Dadaists imbued his art with a disruptive, confrontational energy against societal norms and the art establishment.
Perhaps most notable is Dix's ability to capture the psychological depth and societal critiques through his portraits and landscapes, which ranged from the grotesque to the surreal. Paintings like "Portrait of the Journalist Sylvia von Harden" and the triptychs "Metropolis" and "War" are emblematic of his keen observation and stark depiction of the era's social and political unrest.
Despite facing significant adversity, including being labeled a degenerate artist by the Nazi regime and facing professional and personal setbacks, Dix's legacy as a painter and printmaker endures. His works are not only historical documents but also profound reflections on humanity, war, and society, resonating with collectors and art experts alike.
For enthusiasts of culture, art, and history, Dix's oeuvre offers an unflinching look into the human condition under the strain of societal and political upheaval. His contributions to painting and printmaking continue to be celebrated in museums and galleries worldwide, underscoring the enduring relevance of his work.
For those interested in exploring the profound depth and historical significance of Otto Dix's work, signing up for updates on new product sales and auction events related to his art can provide invaluable insights. This subscription is a gateway to staying informed about opportunities to engage with the tangible pieces of Dix's enduring legacy.
Lyonel Charles Adrian Feininger was an American-German artist renowned for his unique integration of Expressionism, Cubism, and Bauhaus principles. His body of work, which spans several critical decades in modernism's development, is celebrated for its distinctive blend of architectural and nautical motifs, articulated through planar shifts and jagged lines of Cubism, with a vibrant Orphist color palette.
Lyonel Feininger's journey as an artist began in earnest when he was 36, becoming a pivotal figure in various German expressionist groups and a founding member of the Bauhaus, where he led the printmaking workshop. His art, which also includes significant contributions to caricature and photography, explores the intricate relationship between humanity and industrialization, evident in his depictions of architectural and mechanized forms.
His work was subject to Nazi criticism, being labeled as "degenerate," which led to his return to the United States, where he continued to evolve his artistic style. Posthumously, Lyonel Feininger's art has been the focus of several retrospectives, and his pieces, like "Jesuits III," continue to fetch high figures at auctions, underscoring his lasting impact on the art world.
Notably, Lyonel Feininger's "Cathedral" woodcut, representing the Bauhaus's utopian vision, remains one of his most iconic works, symbolizing the integration of art and craftsmanship with its avant-garde yet traditional approach. His legacy is further carried by his sons, Andreas and T. Lux Feininger, who also made their marks in the arts.
For collectors and art and antiques experts, Feininger's work represents a fascinating intersection of various art movements and a testament to the enduring nature of expressive and innovative artistry. To stay updated on new product sales and auction events related to Lyonel Feininger, consider signing up for updates, ensuring you're informed about the latest opportunities to engage with his enduring legacy.
James Sidney Edouard, Baron Ensor was a Belgian painter and printmaker, an important influence on expressionism and surrealism who lived in Ostend for most of his life. He was associated with the artistic group Les XX.
Friedrich Karl Gotsch, actually Friedrich Karl Müller, was a German painter and graphic artist.
After a phase of intense research into Picasso's cubism and experimentation with abstract techniques, the artist developed "late expressionism", which was typical of his work. Even during his lifetime, Gotsch was highly respected as one of the few painters of his generation who painted representational pictures. He also participated in numerous exhibitions and received renowned awards.
Walter Gramatté was a German expressionist painter who specialized in magic realism. He worked in Berlin, Hamburg, Hiddensee and Barcelona. He often painted with a mystical view of nature. Many of his works were inspired by his experiences in the First World War and his illness.
Erich Heckel was a German painter and printmaker, and a founding member of the group Die Brücke ("The Bridge") which existed 1905–1913. His work was part of the art competitions at the 1928 Summer Olympics and the 1932 Summer Olympics.
Erich Heckel was a German painter and printmaker, and a founding member of the group Die Brücke ("The Bridge") which existed 1905–1913. His work was part of the art competitions at the 1928 Summer Olympics and the 1932 Summer Olympics.
Manfred Henninger was a German painter, draughtsman, graphic artist, ceramist and university lecturer. As an artist, he belongs to the lost generation.
His works often revolve around the themes of the human figure and landscape and can be described as late impressionist.
Manfred Henninger was a member of the Deutscher Künstlerbund.
Karl Hofer was a German expressionist painter. He was director of the Berlin Academy of Fine Arts.
One of the most prominent painters of expressionism, he never was a member of one of the expressionist painting groups, like "Die Brücke", but was influenced by their painters. His work was among those considered degenerate art by the Nazis, but after World War II he regained recognition as one of the leading German painters.
Karl Hofer was a German expressionist painter. He was director of the Berlin Academy of Fine Arts.
One of the most prominent painters of expressionism, he never was a member of one of the expressionist painting groups, like "Die Brücke", but was influenced by their painters. His work was among those considered degenerate art by the Nazis, but after World War II he regained recognition as one of the leading German painters.
Alexej Georgewitsch von Jawlensky (Russian: Алексе́й Гео́ргиевич Явле́нский), a prominent Russian painter active in Germany, is renowned for his significant contributions to the Expressionist movement. Born in Russia in 1864, Jawlensky's artistic journey led him to Germany, where his career flourished alongside contemporaries such as Wassily Kandinsky. His work is celebrated for its vibrant use of color and emotional depth, qualities that have established him as a key figure in modern art.
Jawlensky's art evolved through various phases, from early landscapes and portraits to his later, more abstract works. Perhaps most notable among these are his "Mystical Heads" and "Saviour's Faces" series, inspired by the spiritual iconography of his Russian heritage, and his "Abstract Heads," where he explored the synthesis of spiritual expression and modernist aesthetics. These series reflect Jawlensky's lifelong quest to capture the soul's essence through the human face, a theme that resonates throughout his oeuvre.
His legacy extends beyond his artistic output; Jawlensky's influence is evident in the formation of The Blue Four, a group that played a crucial role in promoting modern art in Europe and the United States. Despite facing severe arthritis in his later years, which eventually halted his ability to paint, Jawlensky's dedication to his craft remained unwavering. He dictated his memoirs, ensuring his artistic philosophies and insights were preserved for future generations.
Jawlensky's works are held in high esteem and are featured in prestigious collections worldwide, including the Museum Wiesbaden, which boasts the most extensive collection of his works in Europe. His contributions to art have been recognized posthumously through significant sales at auction and the establishment of the Jawlensky Award, which honors contemporary artists' achievements in his memory.
For collectors and art and antiques experts, Jawlensky's work offers a profound insight into the evolution of Expressionism and the enduring power of the visual arts to convey deep emotional and spiritual truths. His life and work continue to inspire and influence, a testament to his significant impact on the art world.
For those interested in exploring the depths of Expressionist art and the legacy of Alexej Georgewitsch von Jawlensky, staying informed about upcoming sales and auction events related to his work is invaluable. Signing up for updates can provide access to the latest opportunities to engage with his impactful and beautiful creations.
Wassily Wassilyevich Kandinsky (Russian: Василий Васильевич Кандинский) was a trailblazer in the art world, known for his pioneering role in the development of abstract art. Born in Moscow, Russia, in 1866, Kandinsky embarked on a journey that would take him from the study of law and economics to becoming one of the most influential artists of his time. His journey into the arts began at 30, a significant shift from a promising career in law to attending the Academy of Fine Arts in Munich. This decision marked the start of a profound exploration of color, form, and the spiritual in art.
Kandinsky's work is celebrated for its innovative use of color and abstract forms, with notable pieces such as "Composition VII" and "On White II" showcasing his ability to evoke emotional resonance through non-representational means. His art was not just about visual aesthetics but also aimed to touch the spiritual and emotional realms of the viewer. He often compared his method of painting to composing music, emphasizing the emotional power of abstract forms and colors. This philosophy was reflected in his theoretical writings, notably in "Concerning the Spiritual in Art," where he laid out his beliefs about the role of art and the artist in society.
Throughout his career, Kandinsky was involved with several avant-garde groups, including Der Blaue Reiter and Die Blaue Vier, collaborating with other influential artists of the time like Paul Klee and Alexej Jawlensky. After the Bauhaus school, where he taught, was closed by the Nazis, Kandinsky moved to France, where he spent the remainder of his life, continuing to evolve his style and contribute to the art world until his death in Neuilly-sur-Seine in 1944.
Kandinsky's legacy is not only in his artworks, which are held in esteemed collections worldwide, such as the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York, but also in his impact on the course of modern art. He opened up new possibilities for artists by demonstrating that art could venture beyond the representational and delve into the purely abstract, exploring the inner emotional and spiritual life through form and color.
For those captivated by Kandinsky's revolutionary approach to art and interested in the evolution of abstract expression, signing up for updates on new product sales and auction events related to Kandinsky's work is an excellent way to stay informed. This subscription service is tailored for collectors and art experts, ensuring you are the first to know about opportunities to acquire pieces by or related to this groundbreaking artist.
Ernst Ludwig Kirchner was a pivotal figure in the art world, known for his profound impact on 20th-century Expressionism. Born in Bavaria, Germany, on May 6, 1880, Kirchner's journey into art began with architecture studies before he found his true calling in painting and printmaking. In 1905, alongside fellow architecture students, he co-founded Die Brücke ("The Bridge"), a group that sought to revolutionize art by bridging the gap between traditional academic styles and modern artistic expression. This group was instrumental in the development of Expressionism, advocating for intense emotion conveyed through vivid colors and bold lines.
Kirchner's work, characterized by its expressive intensity and often exploring themes of urban life and the human psyche, reflects a deep engagement with the cultural and social upheavals of his time. Notably, his experiences during World War I, including a mental breakdown and subsequent discharge from military service, deeply influenced his art. Works like "Self-Portrait as a Soldier" (1915) poignantly encapsulate the personal and societal trauma of the era.
After the war, Kirchner sought solace in Davos, Switzerland, where the tranquil landscapes inspired a new direction in his work, showcasing a more serene and reflective approach. Despite his contributions to modern art, Kirchner's later years were marred by the Nazi regime's denunciation of his work as "degenerate," leading to the destruction and dispersal of many pieces. Tragically, this persecution contributed to his decision to end his life on June 15, 1938.
Kirchner's legacy is preserved through his influential body of work, from vivid urban scenes to tranquil landscapes, all marked by a distinctive, expressive style that continues to captivate art collectors and experts. His works are held in major museums worldwide, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the National Gallery of Art in Washington, underscoring his enduring influence on the art world.
For those interested in the profound impact of Ernst Ludwig Kirchner on modern art and Expressionism, subscribing to updates on new product sales and auction events related to his work can provide valuable insights. This subscription is an opportunity for collectors and art experts to stay informed about the availability of Kirchner's influential pieces and related events.
Max Liebermann was a German painter and printmaker, and one of the leading proponents of Impressionism in Germany and continental Europe. In addition to his activity as an artist, he also assembled an important collection of French Impressionist works.
Paula Moderzohn-Becker was a German early expressionist painter.
In her youth she attended the traditional School for Women Artists in Berlin. Like many local German artists, she painted sentimental landscapes and scenes from peasant life.
And in 1900 Paula traveled with her husband to Paris, where she was influenced by post-Impressionist paintings and became an ardent enthusiast of painting by Paul Gauguin and Paul Cézanne. Today she is considered a forerunner of Expressionism because of the power of her compositions, although during her lifetime she was completely ignored. During her short career Moderzohn-Becker painted 750 canvases, about 1,000 drawings and 13 etchings, all of which incorporated the major art movements of the early 20th century.
Oskar Moll was a German post-impressionist painter.
He studied painting in Munich and Berlin, met Henri Matisse in Paris in 1907 and took part in the founding of the Matisse Academy. He later taught at the Art Academy in Düsseldorf, from where he was eventually fired and branded as a propagator of degenerate art, one of his exhibitions was also banned by the Nazis and his works confiscated.
In his paintings, Moll combined linear structures with spaces of color, creating abstract and lyrical landscapes, still lifes and portraits. Contrasting color accents and ornamental motifs enliven the paintings.
Walter Ophey was a German artist. He was known for his modernist paintings, which often depicted landscapes and still-life scenes.
Ophey studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Düsseldorf. His early work was influenced by Impressionism, but he later became associated with the Expressionist movement.
In 1909 Ophey, together with some other Düsseldorf artists, formed the artistic group the Special Union (Sonderbund). The first chairman of the Special Union was the well-known German philanthropist and collector Carl Ernst Osthaus. In the following years this group became one of the most powerful avant-garde art movements in Germany.
Ophey's paintings are characterized by their bright colors and bold, simplified forms. He often depicted rural landscapes and still-life scenes, infusing them with a sense of emotional intensity. He was also known for his use of color, which he used to convey mood and atmosphere.
Ophey's work was exhibited extensively during his lifetime, including at the Berlin Secession and the Salon d'Automne in Paris. Despite his relatively short career, he was recognized as an important figure in the development of modernist painting in Germany.
Walter Ophey was a German artist. He was known for his modernist paintings, which often depicted landscapes and still-life scenes.
Ophey studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Düsseldorf. His early work was influenced by Impressionism, but he later became associated with the Expressionist movement.
In 1909 Ophey, together with some other Düsseldorf artists, formed the artistic group the Special Union (Sonderbund). The first chairman of the Special Union was the well-known German philanthropist and collector Carl Ernst Osthaus. In the following years this group became one of the most powerful avant-garde art movements in Germany.
Ophey's paintings are characterized by their bright colors and bold, simplified forms. He often depicted rural landscapes and still-life scenes, infusing them with a sense of emotional intensity. He was also known for his use of color, which he used to convey mood and atmosphere.
Ophey's work was exhibited extensively during his lifetime, including at the Berlin Secession and the Salon d'Automne in Paris. Despite his relatively short career, he was recognized as an important figure in the development of modernist painting in Germany.
Max Pechstein, a German Expressionist painter and printmaker, was a significant figure in the art world known for his vibrant use of color and dynamic compositions. Born in Zwickau in 1881, Pechstein's journey into the realms of expressionism began with his training as a decorator's apprentice before moving to Dresden to further his studies at the Kunstgewerbeschule. His career took a pivotal turn in 1906 when he met Erich Heckel and joined the Die Brücke group, alongside other notable artists such as Ernst Ludwig Kirchner and Karl Schmidt-Rottluff, which marked the beginning of his foray into revolutionary art and expressionism.
Pechstein's art was not just confined to painting; he was also a master printmaker, with a prolific output that included 421 lithographs, 315 woodcuts and linocuts, and 165 intaglio prints, predominantly etchings. His works often depicted scenes from nature, social gatherings, and elements of primitive art, reflecting his interest in the raw and unrefined aspects of culture and humanity. This diverse body of work was recognized for its bold innovation and unique perspective, which significantly contributed to the expressionist movement.
The Nazis' rise to power in 1933 had a profound impact on Pechstein's career. His works were deemed degenerate, and he faced severe repression, including the removal of 326 of his paintings from German museums and his dismissal from his teaching position at the Preussische Akademie der Künste. Despite these challenges, Pechstein's legacy endured, and after World War II, he was reinstated to his teaching post and received numerous accolades for his contributions to art.
Pechstein's works are held in high esteem in museums and galleries worldwide. Notably, his etchings, which depicted the grim realities of war, are housed in the Imperial War Museum in London, showcasing his ability to convey profound emotional and psychological experiences through art. Additionally, his painting "Summer in Nidden," which captures the idyllic beauty of the Baltic coast, is part of the collection at the Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza in Madrid, illustrating his love for natural landscapes and vibrant, expressive use of color.
For collectors and experts in art and antiques, Hermann Max Pechstein's works offer a fascinating glimpse into the early 20th-century expressionist movement, characterized by a bold exploration of color, form, and social commentary. His contributions to modern art are invaluable, providing insight into the cultural and historical context of his time.
To stay informed about new product sales and auction events related to Hermann Max Pechstein, we invite you to sign up for updates. This subscription will ensure that you are the first to know about opportunities to acquire works by this influential artist, allowing you to add to your collection of significant expressionist art.
Max Pechstein, a German Expressionist painter and printmaker, was a significant figure in the art world known for his vibrant use of color and dynamic compositions. Born in Zwickau in 1881, Pechstein's journey into the realms of expressionism began with his training as a decorator's apprentice before moving to Dresden to further his studies at the Kunstgewerbeschule. His career took a pivotal turn in 1906 when he met Erich Heckel and joined the Die Brücke group, alongside other notable artists such as Ernst Ludwig Kirchner and Karl Schmidt-Rottluff, which marked the beginning of his foray into revolutionary art and expressionism.
Pechstein's art was not just confined to painting; he was also a master printmaker, with a prolific output that included 421 lithographs, 315 woodcuts and linocuts, and 165 intaglio prints, predominantly etchings. His works often depicted scenes from nature, social gatherings, and elements of primitive art, reflecting his interest in the raw and unrefined aspects of culture and humanity. This diverse body of work was recognized for its bold innovation and unique perspective, which significantly contributed to the expressionist movement.
The Nazis' rise to power in 1933 had a profound impact on Pechstein's career. His works were deemed degenerate, and he faced severe repression, including the removal of 326 of his paintings from German museums and his dismissal from his teaching position at the Preussische Akademie der Künste. Despite these challenges, Pechstein's legacy endured, and after World War II, he was reinstated to his teaching post and received numerous accolades for his contributions to art.
Pechstein's works are held in high esteem in museums and galleries worldwide. Notably, his etchings, which depicted the grim realities of war, are housed in the Imperial War Museum in London, showcasing his ability to convey profound emotional and psychological experiences through art. Additionally, his painting "Summer in Nidden," which captures the idyllic beauty of the Baltic coast, is part of the collection at the Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza in Madrid, illustrating his love for natural landscapes and vibrant, expressive use of color.
For collectors and experts in art and antiques, Hermann Max Pechstein's works offer a fascinating glimpse into the early 20th-century expressionist movement, characterized by a bold exploration of color, form, and social commentary. His contributions to modern art are invaluable, providing insight into the cultural and historical context of his time.
To stay informed about new product sales and auction events related to Hermann Max Pechstein, we invite you to sign up for updates. This subscription will ensure that you are the first to know about opportunities to acquire works by this influential artist, allowing you to add to your collection of significant expressionist art.
