language
Geoffrey Chaucer was a medieval English poet and novelist, one of the founders of the literary English language.
Geoffrey Chaucer came from a wealthy family, in 1357 became a civil servant of Countess Elizabeth of Ulster and remained at the British court all his life. Later in his royal service, he traveled on diplomatic missions to France, Spain, and Italy. He made important contributions to the management of public affairs as a courtier, diplomat and civil servant. And very importantly, in these travels Chaucer was exposed to the works of Dante, Petrarch and Boccaccio, which later had a profound influence on his writing.
"The Canterbury Tales" became Geoffrey Chaucer's most famous and recognized work, although this voluminous work remained unfinished. He also wrote the popular science treatise "A Treatise on the Astrolabe", the historical poems "Troilus and Criseyde" and "Legends of Glorious Women", and many poems.
Geoffrey Chaucer is called the forerunner of the literature of the English Renaissance. He was the first to write works in his native language instead of Latin, for which he earned the title of "father of English poetry." Chaucer was buried in Westminster Abbey, and his grave became the first in the so-called "Poet's Corner", where Charles Dickens, Rudyard Kipling and Alfred Tennyson were later buried.
Heinz Mack is a German artist. Together with Otto Piene he founded the ZERO movement in 1957. He exhibited works at documenta in 1964 and 1977 and he represented Germany at the 1970 Venice Biennale. He is best known for his contributions to op art, light art and kinetic art.
.jfif)
Samuel Lewis Francis, an American painter and printmaker, was known for his pivotal role in postwar American painting and his contributions to the Abstract Expressionism and Color Field painting movements. Born in San Mateo, California, Francis' early life was marked by a deep personal loss and a significant injury during his service in the Army Air Corps, which led him to pursue painting while recovering in a hospital. His work, characterized by splashes of bright contrasting colors against expansive white canvases, drew international acclaim, particularly in Europe and Japan, underscoring his influence on the global art scene.
Francis' art evolved through various phases, from monochromatic works to vibrant, large-scale pieces, and was deeply influenced by his time in Paris and Japan, reflecting elements of Tachisme and possibly Zen Buddhism. Notable for creating large murals and his "Edge" series, Francis also founded The Lapis Press, further contributing to the art community by producing visually compelling texts. Despite facing health challenges towards the end of his life, he remained prolific, leaving behind a legacy celebrated through the Sam Francis Foundation, which aims to perpetuate his creative legacy.
Francis' artworks are held in prestigious collections worldwide, including The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Museum of Modern Art, New York, and the Centre Pompidou-Musee National d'Art Moderne, Paris, highlighting his enduring influence on contemporary art. His auction records and continued recognition in solo exhibitions posthumously underscore the lasting impact of his work on both collectors and the art community.
For those passionate about modern art and its history, staying informed about Samuel Lewis Francis' contributions and the ongoing exhibitions of his works can be enriching. Sign up for updates related to Francis to ensure you don't miss out on new sales and auction events showcasing his vibrant legacy.
Antoni Tàpies i Puig, 1st Marquess of Tàpies was a Catalan Spanish painter, sculptor and art theorist, who became one of the most famous European artists of his generation.
August Robert Ludwig Macke was an eminent German expressionist painter, founder and member of the Blue Rider association. His very colorful and individual style is today referred to as the Macke style, characterized by a harmonious combination of colors and the play of light effects. His favorite subjects of his works were sketches from the life of the city, as well as nature and man. The paintings of August Macke give an impression of joy and lightness.
Hans Marsilius Purrmann was a German artist.
He completed an apprenticeship as a scene painter and interior decorator, and subsequently studied in Karlsruhe and Munich before going to Paris in 1906. It was here he became a student and later a friend of Henri Matisse whom he set up a painting school with.
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.