Modern paintings, drawings, watercolours — A1244: 130 Works from a German Corporate Collection
Werner Gilles was a German artist.
He was a member of the Bauhaus school of art and design. After arriving on the Italian island of Ischia in 1932, Gilles found inspiration for painting. In his oil paintings and watercolors, the artist depicts the cheerful and menacing aspects of this primitive landscape and captures its basic nature.
Conrad Felixmüller was a twentieth-century German artist, born Conrad Felix Müller. He is known as a painter, graphic artist, illustrator and printmaker, a representative of the New Materiality movement, who worked in the Expressionist style.
Felixmüller created about 2,500 paintings and graphic drawings, the main motif of which was the human being. The artist considered himself a socially critical expressionist, and his works reflected scenes from everyday life. In the 1930s, many of his works were confiscated by the Nazis as examples of degenerate art and destroyed. As a result of the bombing of Berlin in 1944, Felixmüller lost much of his work.
Max Peiffer Watenphul was a German artist. Described as a "lyric poet of painting", he belongs to a "tradition of German painters for whom the Italian landscape represented Arcadia." In addition to Mediterranean scenes, he regularly depicted Salzburg and painted many still lifes of flowers. As well as oil paintings, his extensive body of work encompasses watercolours, drawings, enamel, textiles, graphic art, and photographs.
Hermann Karl Hesse was a German-Swiss poet, novelist, and painter, known for delving into themes of authenticity, self-knowledge, and spirituality. Born in Calw, Germany, Hesse's exploration of the individual's quest for truth won him the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1946. His storytelling weaves a rich tapestry of philosophical thought, evident in masterpieces like "Steppenwolf" and "Siddhartha," which resonate deeply with the human experience.
Renowned for his lyrical prose and profound insights into the human spirit, Hesse's works are a cornerstone of 20th-century literature. They challenge readers to seek beyond the confines of society and find a deeper sense of self. His narrative style combines simplicity with a deep philosophical undercurrent, inviting reflection and introspection.
Collectors and connoisseurs of literature hold Hesse's works in high esteem, not just for their literary merit but also for their cultural significance. For those interested in the evolution of literary thought and the pivotal role of introspective narratives, Hesse’s works are invaluable. Delve into his writings to discover the essence of early 20th-century philosophical literature and consider adding them to your collection for both their historic and artistic value.
Edmund Kesting was a German photographer, painter and art professor.
He formed relations with other vanguardists in Berlin and practiced various experimental techniques such as solarization, multiple images and photograms, for which reason twelve of his works were considered degenerate art by the Nazi regime and were prohibited. Among the artists with whom he interacted are Kurt Schwitters, László Moholy-Nagy, El Lissitzky and Alexander Archipenko.
Kurt Hermann Eduard Karl Julius Schwitters was a German artist who was born in Hanover, Germany.
Schwitters worked in several genres and media, including dadaism, constructivism, surrealism, poetry, sound, painting, sculpture, graphic design, typography, and what came to be known as installation art. He is most famous for his collages, called Merz Pictures.
Fritz Schaefler was a German graphic artist. He was known for his expressionist paintings, drawings, and prints.
Schaefler studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Munich and later taught at the Folkwang University of the Arts in Essen. His early work was influenced by the German Expressionist movement, and he was associated with the group "Die Brücke" (The Bridge), which included other notable artists such as Ernst Ludwig Kirchner and Emil Nolde.
Schaefler's work is characterized by bold, vibrant colors and energetic brushstrokes. He often depicted landscapes, cityscapes, and still-life scenes, infusing them with a sense of emotion and vitality. He also produced a significant body of graphic work, including woodcuts and lithographs.
Schaefler's work was exhibited extensively during his lifetime, including at the Venice Biennale, the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam, and the Museum of Modern Art in New York. He was also awarded numerous honors and awards for his work.
Christian Arnold was a German painter and graphic artist. He is best known for his landscape paintings that often depicted the rural and coastal regions of northern Germany.
Arnold studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Munich and later taught at the School of Arts and Crafts in Bremen. His work was heavily influenced by the German Expressionist movement, and he often used bold colors and thick brushstrokes to create a sense of emotional intensity in his paintings.
In addition to his landscapes, Arnold also produced numerous portraits, still lifes, and religious works. He worked in a variety of mediums, including oil paints, watercolors, and printmaking.
Arnold's work was exhibited widely during his lifetime, and he received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to the arts. Today, his paintings are held in collections around the world, including the National Gallery in Berlin and the Kunsthalle Bremen.
Harald Metzkes is a German painter and graphic artist.
In 1976 he won the Käthe Kollwitz Prize from the Arts Academy of East Germany and state-level official recognition in the form of the Banner of Labor. The next year his work was the focus of an exhibition at the National Gallery in (East) Berlin, "Harald Metzkes – Two decades of Pictures". 1976 was also the year in which he was a recipient of the National Prize of East Germany for illustrations and graphic art. In 1984 and 1988 Metzkes participated in the Venice Biennale.
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.
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.
Joseph Fernand Henri Léger was a French artist renowned for his innovative approach to Cubism and his transition towards a figurative, populist style. Born in Argentan, Orne, Lower Normandy, Léger's early career was marked by a stint as an architectural draftsman and a series of educational pursuits that eventually led him to Paris, where he embraced painting seriously. His artistic journey was significantly influenced by the bold abstractions of Cubism, characterized by geometric shapes and a vibrant palette, distinguishing his work from his contemporaries with what came to be known as "Tubism".
Léger's service in World War I profoundly impacted his artistic direction, leading him to adopt a 'mechanical' style that depicted the modern industrial world with sleek, tubular forms. This period saw creations like "Soldier with a Pipe" and "The Card Players," reflecting his war experiences and the mechanical aesthetics of the time. The post-war era encouraged Léger to explore the mechanical style further, evident in works like "The Bargeman" and "Mechanical Elements," highlighting the pace of technological advancement.
Throughout his career, Léger's work evolved, notably in the 1920s, where he aligned with Purist ideas, blending classicism with modernity. This phase is exemplified in "Woman with a Cat," showcasing a classical form with a modern, polished finish. By the 1930s, Léger's art took a more figurative, populist turn, aiming to democratize contemporary art and make it more accessible. His commitment to art education, especially for the common worker, underscored his belief in the social role of art.
For those intrigued by Joseph Fernand Henri Léger's groundbreaking contributions to modern art, his works can be found in prestigious museums worldwide. His legacy continues to inspire art collectors and enthusiasts alike. To stay updated on exhibitions and auction events featuring Léger's work, sign up for updates and embrace the unique opportunity to explore the richness of his artistic endeavors.
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.
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Peter Herkenrath was a German self-taught artist, one of the brightest representatives of abstract art after World War II.
He created what he called "wall paintings": he applied thick layers of paint in relief with spatulas and brushes. Herkenrath painted many portraits of his famous contemporaries, domestic scenes and still lifes.
Peter Herkenrath was a member of the Association of West German Artists and the Association of German Artists.
Anton Räderscheidt was a German painter who was a leading figure of the New Objectivity. Räderscheidt was born in Cologne. His father was a schoolmaster who also wrote poetry. From 1910 to 1914, Räderscheidt studied at the Academy of Düsseldorf. He was severely wounded in the First World War, during which he fought at Verdun. After the war he returned to Cologne, where in 1919 he cofounded the artists' group Stupid with other members of the local constructivist and Dada scene. The group was short-lived, as Räderscheidt was by 1920 abandoning constructivism for a magic realist style. In 1925 he participated in the Neue Sachlichkeit ("New Objectivity") exhibition at the Mannheim Kunsthalle.