aquarelle und pastelle
Norbert Prangenberg was an abstract painter, sculptor, and engraver. Though he had no formal training and did not fully engage with art until his 30s, Prangenberg did finally come up with a style that was uniquely his own, not fitting comfortably into the neo-expressionist or neo-geo movements of his time, in the 1970s and 1980s. At this time, he was considered a major figure in contemporary German art. Though he got his start with abstract paintings, he also became known for making sculptures of all sizes; and while his work initially appears abstract, the titles given sometimes allude to the human body or a landscape. As a trained gold- and silversmith, as well as a glassblower, he always showed an attention to materials and how they could be physically engaged with. He was interested in how his own two hands could affect the painting or sculpture's surface. Traces of the artist's hand appear literally throughout his entire oeuvre, before he lost the battle with liver cancer in 2012.
Carl Maria Nicolaus Hummel was a distinguished German landscape painter and etcher, renowned for his delicate representations of the natural world. Born in Weimar in 1821, Hummel embarked on his artistic journey under the guidance of Friedrich Preller at the Fürstliche freie Zeichenschule Weimar starting in 1841. His rich legacy is shaped by extensive travels across Europe, capturing the essence of each locale with a keen eye for detail and mood.
Hummel's artistry is marked by his adept use of light and texture, which brings scenes to life with a vibrancy that transcends time. His works, such as the serene "Valley of the Mills, near Amalfi" and the contemplative "Sky Study (Sunset)", showcase his skill in marrying color and form to reflect both the tranquility and the dramatic interplay of natural landscapes.
For art collectors and connoisseurs, Hummel's paintings are a testament to the romantic spirit of 19th-century art. His paintings are prominently featured in prestigious institutions across Northern Europe, including the Musée de la Vie Romantique in Paris. Each piece serves as a window into the historical and cultural narratives of the time, making them invaluable additions to any collection.
Renowned for his meticulous approach and the emotional depth of his work, Hummel's contributions to the world of art continue to inspire and captivate audiences. His ability to capture the sublime beauty of nature makes his work an enduring treasure in the landscape genre of the 19th century.
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Maria La Roche was a Swiss artist, graphic artist and printmaker.
