Oskar Kokoschka (1886 - 1980)

Oskar Kokoschka (1886 - 1980) - photo 1

Oskar Kokoschka

Oskar Kokoschka was an Austrian artist, poet, playwright, and teacher, renowned for his significant contributions to the Expressionist movement. Born on March 1, 1886, in Pöchlarn, Austria, Kokoschka's journey into the arts began against the backdrop of early 20th-century Vienna, a city vibrant with cultural ferment and avant-garde experimentation. Without formal training in painting, Kokoschka brought a unique perspective to his work, approaching the medium with a fresh, unencumbered eye that eschewed traditional methods in favor of intuitive, expressive techniques​​​​.

Kokoschka's early career was marked by an innovative approach to portraiture and landscape, characterized by intense expressionism and a deep psychological penetration of his subjects. His artistic philosophy was heavily influenced by 17th-century Czech humanist Jan Amos Comenius, from whom Kokoschka adopted the idea that learning and creativity flourish through sensory engagement and reasoning. This philosophy underpinned both his artistic output and his teaching methodology, which favored storytelling and the evocation of dramatic emotion over conventional art instruction​​.

Among Kokoschka's notable early works were his contributions to the Vienna Kunstschau and his involvement with the Wiener Werkstätte, which provided him opportunities to explore his artistic voice through various commissions, including postcards and illustrations for children's books. His autobiographical poem "Die träumenden Knaben" (The Dreaming Youths) and the related illustrations showcase his journey from Jugendstil to Expressionism, marking a pivotal moment in his career and in the development of modern art​​.

Kokoschka's tumultuous affair with Alma Mahler is well-documented, influencing some of his most acclaimed works, such as "The Bride of the Wind" (The Tempest), which vividly encapsulates their passionate, stormy relationship. This work, alongside others like "Portrait of a Young Girl" and "Knight Errant (Self-Portrait)", exemplifies Kokoschka's masterful use of color, form, and emotional intensity to convey complex psychological states and narratives​​.

Oskar Kokoschka's legacy as a pioneering figure in Expressionism is undisputed. His works continue to resonate with collectors and experts in art and antiques, not only for their aesthetic and emotional depth but also for their groundbreaking approach to visual storytelling and the exploration of the human condition. For those interested in the vibrant world of Expressionist art and the profound humanism of Kokoschka's oeuvre, signing up for updates on new product sales and auction events related to Oskar Kokoschka offers a unique opportunity to engage with the enduring impact of his work​​.

Date and place of birt:1 march 1886, Pöchlarn, Austria
Date and place of death:22 february 1980, Montreux, Switzerland
Nationality:Austria, Switzerland
Period of activity: XX century
Specialization:Artist, Graphic artist, Painter, Writer
Art school / group:Der Sturm, Vienna Secession
Genre:Allegory, Landscape painting, Portrait
Art style:Degenerate art, Expressionism, Modern art, Post War Art
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Creators Austria

Wilhelm Thöny (1888 - 1949)
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Ignaz Bendl (1680 - 1730)
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Cecil van Haanen (1844 - 1914)
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Anton Ebert (1845 - 1896)
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Wolfgang von Wersin (1882 - 1976)
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Gustav Prucha (1875 - 1952)
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Friedrich von Amerling (1803 - 1887)
Friedrich von Amerling
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Vojtěch Kubašta (1914 - 1992)
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1914 - 1992
Ludwig Kasper (1893 - 1945)
Ludwig Kasper
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Jacob Adam (1748 - 1811)
Jacob Adam
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Eugen Felix (1836 - 1906)
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Anton Hickel (1745 - 1798)
Anton Hickel
1745 - 1798
Helmut Schober (1947)
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1947
Joris Hoefnagel (1542 - 1601)
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Hans Boxberger (1510 - 1561)
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Vinzenz Katzler (1823 - 1882)
Vinzenz Katzler
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Creators Degenerate art

Walter Müller (1890 - 1977)
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Hedwig Schröder (1935)
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1935
Philippe Druillet (1944)
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1944
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Boris Petrovich Sveshnikov (1927 - 1998)
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1927 - 1998
Rudolf Bredow (1909 - 1973)
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John Wesley (1928 - 2022)
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1928 - 2022
Oswaldo Guayasamín (1919 - 1999)
Oswaldo Guayasamín
1919 - 1999
Hermann Scherer (1893 - 1927)
Hermann Scherer
1893 - 1927
Adolf Scharfschwerdt (1874 - 1960)
Adolf Scharfschwerdt
1874 - 1960
Hans Rickers (1899 - 1979)
Hans Rickers
1899 - 1979
Dorothea Rockburne (1932)
Dorothea Rockburne
1932
Hans Kaiser (1914 - 1982)
Hans Kaiser
1914 - 1982
Franciszek Starowieyski (1930 - 2009)
Franciszek Starowieyski
1930 - 2009
Wilhelm Kotarbiński (1848 - 1921)
Wilhelm Kotarbiński
1848 - 1921
Otto Fischer-Trachau (1878 - 1958)
Otto Fischer-Trachau
1878 - 1958
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