Gustave Klimt is more famous for leading the ‘Secession’ movement of art during the end of the fin-de-siecle, corrupt Austro- Hungarian Empire, prior to WW1. Less known in popular culture is the ‘father’ of German Expressionism, Lovis Cornith.
When one has the chance and time to see his paintings, Cornith’s talent is assured but as this particular art movement is known for, his work has a disturbing quality – a style of rebellion, politically motivated and seemingly decadent.
Taken from a terrific web site, a good definition for the ‘Secession’ originating in Vienna:
“The 'Secession' marks the first appearance of a free art market ever in art history; the artist’s no longer work based on the instructions of their commissioners, but rather unleash their imagination.”
A rebellion against “Monarchy”, against convention, no longer concerned with economics, these German artists painted what their imaginations conjured.
And really, at times fascinating & daunting, German Expressionism creates feelings of danger, ugliness and torment, preceding (some say foretelling) the horrendous acts of WW1 & WW2: mass slaughter and genocide.
What is admirable about Cornith was his willingness to experiment with a variety of forms: religious and mythology, landscapes, interiors, still lives, portraits, (many self portraits) as above; experimenting with classical and impressionistic light and arrangement.
Cornith’s ‘nudes’ are extraordinary revealing the beauty and decadence of the artist’s view of the female body.
Intense, outstanding, attitude, and a personality, Cornith lead the movement against convention…and the world changed forever.
Source:
http://www.kettererkunst.com/bio/LovisCorinth-1858-1925.shtml
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