figurative art
Josef Lorenzl was an Austrian sculptor and ceramicist of the Art Deco period, the same era as Ferdinand Preiss (1882–1943) and Demetre Chiparus (1886–1947).
Arthur Kampf was a German painter. He was associated with the Düsseldorf school of painting.
Kampf's work is most strongly associated with the genre of traditional history painting, though throughout his lifetime he explored styles influenced by Impressionism and Art Nouveau. He was also celebrated for large scale portrait work and in particular children's portraiture. Kampf also worked extensively as an illustrator, contributing drawings to volumes by Shakespeare (1925), R. Herzog, History of Prussia (1913) and J.W. Goethe, Faust (1925). Kampf's artwork post World War II largely focused on religious themes.
Juan Martínez Montañés, born on March 16, 1568, in Alcalá la Real, Jaén, Spain, and passing away on June 18, 1649, was a luminary of the Spanish Baroque sculpture scene, heralded as "el Dios de la Madera" (the God of Wood) for his unrivaled mastery in wood carving. His contributions significantly shaped the Sevillian school of sculpture, where he introduced the innovative encarnación technique, imbuing his wooden sculptures with lifelike skin tones.
Montañés is celebrated for his exceptional naturalism and precision in depicting human anatomy, setting him apart from many contemporaries. His works, characterized by their graceful forms and devout expressions, often encapsulated the religious fervor of the era. Notable pieces include the highly revered 'Saint John the Baptist', showcased at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and 'Cristo de la Clemencia', housed in the Seville Cathedral, each illustrating his skillful handling of wood and keen attention to anatomical detail.
Throughout his life, Montañés enjoyed significant acclaim, not only within Spain but also internationally, with some of his works making their way to the Spanish Americas. This broad recognition is a testament to his influence on and contribution to the Baroque artistic movement. His legacy persisted through his students, including notable figures such as Juan de Mesa, and through his son, Alonzo Martínez, ensuring the continuation of his stylistic and technical innovations in sculpture.
For collectors and art and antiques enthusiasts, Montañés's works remain pivotal, embodying the spiritual and artistic zeitgeist of 17th-century Spain. His sculptures are not just artistic marvels but also cultural artifacts that offer insights into the era's religious and social contexts.
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Jo Jastram, born Joachim Jastram, is a German sculptor.
Jastram studied at the Dresden University of Fine Arts and then at the University of Fine and Applied Arts in Berlin-Weißensee, earning a degree in sculpture. Later he taught himself at several universities and was a member of various state and public cultural associations. The sculptor was repeatedly awarded the Art Prize of the GDR.
Jo Jastram created an extensive collection of portraits during his long life, as well as many diverse compositions and sculptures in public spaces. Some of his most famous works are the "Fountain of the Joy of Life" on University Square in Rostock, created in 1978 in collaboration with Reinhard Dietrich, as well as "The Great African Journey" (1983), installed in Rostock's city harbor in 2008.
Jo Jastram's three sons Matthias, Michael, Jan Jastram and daughter Susanne Rast became painters and sculptors, and the sculptor Thomas Jastram is his nephew.
Ferdinand Liebermann was a German sculptor.
Liebermann studied sculpture at the School of Arts and Crafts and at the Academy in Munich with Heinrich Wadere. After additional studies in Rome and Paris, he opened his studio in Munich in 1910 and was awarded the Grand Austrian State Medal in gold for a small bronze the same year. In 1926 he became professor of monumental and portrait sculpture in Munich.
Ferdinand Liebermann's works include numerous sculptures of buildings, monuments and fountains, and he was also one of the most important figure designers for the Rosenthal manufactory.
