Karl Schmidt-Rottluff

Karl Schmidt-Rottluff was a key figure in German Expressionism, known for his angular, emotionally charged style. Imagine rotting away all the prettiness in art and being left with raw, powerful emotion – that's a Rottluff painting!

Key Characteristics:

• Jagged lines and sharp angles: Creates a sense of unease and tension.
• Bold, contrasting colors: Enhances the emotional impact and distorts reality.
• Simplified forms: Reduces objects to their essential shapes, emphasizing their symbolic meaning.
• Woodcut influence: His paintings often mimic the stark, graphic quality of woodcuts.

Themes:

• Primitivism: Inspired by African and Oceanic art, searching for authentic expression.
• Human suffering and alienation: Reflecting the anxieties of pre-war Germany.
• Nature as a source of spiritual power: Finding solace and strength in landscapes.
• Religious subjects: Exploring themes of redemption and sacrifice.