Karl Schmidt-Rottluff was a German printmaker and painter who was born on December 1, 1884, in Rottluff, a suburb of Chemnitz, Germany. He was one of the founding members of the expressionist art group known as Die Brücke (The Bridge), which was established in Dresden in 1905. The group aimed to break away from traditional artistic conventions and explore new forms of artistic expression.
Schmidt-Rottluff's early works were heavily influenced by the vibrant colors and bold lines of the expressionist movement. He primarily worked in woodcut and lithography, producing graphic prints that often depicted urban scenes, landscapes, and portraits. His style was characterized by its emotional intensity and a focus on conveying inner experiences and feelings.
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During World War I, Schmidt-Rottluff served in the military and was temporarily banned from creating art due to the government's restrictions on expressionist works. However, after the war, he resumed his artistic career and continued to produce prints and paintings.
In the 1920s and 1930s, Schmidt-Rottluff's style evolved, incorporating more classical elements and a greater emphasis on form and structure. He also experimented with sculpture during this period. However, as the Nazis rose to power in Germany, they labeled his work as "degenerate art" and included some of his pieces in the infamous "Degenerate Art" exhibition of 1937.
During World War II, Schmidt-Rottluff's studio in Berlin was destroyed in an air raid, leading to a significant loss of his work. After the war, he moved to West Germany and continued to create art. He received several awards and honors for his contributions to the art world.
Karl Schmidt-Rottluff passed away on August 10, 1976, in Berlin, leaving behind a legacy as a pioneering figure in German expressionism and printmaking. His works are celebrated for their vivid colors, powerful emotional content, and their role in the development of modern art in the early 20th century.
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