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Василий Кандински 1866–1944
Руски From Москва ['Експресионизъм', 'Абстрактно живопис', 'Der Blaue Reiter'] On Wikipedia in 32 of 32 languages
New to Expressionist? Start here
If you remember one Expressionist художник, make it Василий Кандински (1866–1944), the name behind Композиция VIII и Няколко кръга, Соломон Р. Г. After that come Едвард Мунк, Жан-Мишел Баския, Паул Клее и Джаксън Полък. Our 100 picks go from Християн Ролфс (born 1849) to Жан-Мишел Баския (born 1960), from 39 countries.
How we picked them. We list the artists our catalogue links to Expressionist, from the most famous down. Artists born after 1955 that we cannot yet check on Wikidata are left out. The Wikipedia number shows in how many of our 32 languages Wikipedia writes about them.
Quick facts
Meet them one by one
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Руски From Москва ['Експресионизъм', 'Абстрактно живопис', 'Der Blaue Reiter'] On Wikipedia in 32 of 32 languages
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Американски From Бруклин Неоекспресионизъм On Wikipedia in 29 of 32 languages
Born on December 22, 1960, in Brooklyn, New York, to a Haitian father and Puerto Rican mother, his upbringing was a vibrant tapestry woven with diverse cultures and languages—Spanish, English, and French filled his childhood home. This multilingual environment, coupled with his mother’s dedication to artistic pursuits—she enrolled him as a Junior Member of the Brooklyn Museum at age six—laid an early foundation for his creative journey.
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Германска и швейцарска From Мюнхенбухзее Експресионизъм, Кубизъм, Сюрреализъм On Wikipedia in 31 of 32 languages
Angel Applicant (1939). За да откриете следите от неговото изключително богато творчество, трябва да пътувате до Берн, Швейцария.
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Американец From Коуди Абстрактен експресионизъм On Wikipedia in 31 of 32 languages
The story of Paul Jackson Pollock begins in the rugged landscape of Cody, Wyoming, where he was born on January 28, 1912. From 1929 to 1942, he labored under the guidance of Thomas Hart Benton.
See them at In New York City, the Museum of Modern Art holds several of his canvases, allowing viewers to stand before the sprawling, uncentered compositions that defined his era.
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Италианец From Ливорно Експресионизъм On Wikipedia in 32 of 32 languages
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Австрийска From Тулн на Дунав Австрийски експресионизъм On Wikipedia in 32 of 32 languages
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Ирландец From Дъблин Експресионизъм, Кубизъм, Сюрреализъм On Wikipedia in 30 of 32 languages
Three Studies for Figures at the Base of a Crucifixion (1944).
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Германец From Дрезден ['Фотореализъм', 'Абстракция'] On Wikipedia in 28 of 32 languages
Gerhard Richter enters a world defined by the tightening grip of National Socialism. His mother, Hildegard Schönfelder, works as a bookseller.
See them at The physical presence of Richter’s practice spans major institutional collections across Europe.
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Dutch-American From Ротердам Abstract Expressionism On Wikipedia in 30 of 32 languages
Willem de Kooning enters the world on April 24, born to Leendert de Kooning and Cornelia Nobel. His existence becomes a continuous negotiation between the structured world of his training and the chaotic energy of the New York School.
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Американски From Дъгавпилс Цветово полево изкуство
No. 10 (Brown Black Sienna on Dark Wine).
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Германец From Мюнхен Немски експресионизъм On Wikipedia in 31 of 32 languages
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Австрийска, чешка, британска From Пьохларн Експресионизъм, Виенска авангарда On Wikipedia in 29 of 32 languages
Oskar Kokoschka entered the world in 1886 in Pöchlarn, Croatia. Growing up in a household shaped by the precision of her husband's craft, he shared his early years with his sister, Berta, and his brother, Bohuslav.
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Германец From Ашафенбург Германски експресионизъм On Wikipedia in 32 of 32 languages
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Армениско-американска From Ван Абстрактен експресионизъм, Сюрреализъм On Wikipedia in 24 of 32 languages
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Германско-датска From Нолде Германски експресионизъм On Wikipedia in 28 of 32 languages
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Германец From Унтерхаус ['Нова обективност', 'Дадаизъм', 'Експресионизъм'] On Wikipedia in 28 of 32 languages
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Белгийска From Остенде ['Символизъм', 'Експресионизъм'] On Wikipedia in 25 of 32 languages
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френски From Смилавичй Експресионизъм On Wikipedia in 26 of 32 languages
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Германец From Лайпциг Експресионизъм, Нова обективност On Wikipedia in 27 of 32 languages
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Австрийски и Нова Зеландия From Виена Свободен стил On Wikipedia in 29 of 32 languages
Роден: 15 декември 1928 г., Виена, Австрия. Починал: 19 февруари 2000 г.
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Германец From Донауешинген Неоекспресионизъм On Wikipedia in 23 of 32 languages
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британски художник From Берлин Реализъм On Wikipedia in 23 of 32 languages
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Германец From Кьонигсберг Експресионизъм On Wikipedia in 28 of 32 languages
Her father, Karl Schmidt, was a progressive political figure—a radical social democrat and mason—while her maternal grandfather, Julius Rupp, instilled in young Käthe a potent blend of religious conviction and socialist ideals.
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Френски From Париж Експресионизъм, Фавизъм On Wikipedia in 23 of 32 languages
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Scottish-American From Абердин Architectural sculpture On Wikipedia in 28 of 32 languages
Calder attended the Royal Academy in Edinburgh and studied with John Rhind, absorbing artistic principles that would inform his subsequent work.
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Мексикански From Чиуауа Социален реализъм, Мурализъм On Wikipedia in 24 of 32 languages
David Alfaro Siqueiros, born José de Jesús Alfaro Siqueiros in 1896 – though later research pinpointed his birthplace as Chihuahua City rather than Camargo – was more than just a painter; he was a force of nature, an embodiment of the tumultuous spirit of post-revolutionary Mexico.
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Американка From Манхатън Абстрактен експресионизъм, Color Field On Wikipedia in 19 of 32 languages
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Американски From Лексингтън Абстрактен експресионизъм On Wikipedia in 21 of 32 languages
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Германец/Американски From Ню Йорк Изразяване On Wikipedia in 23 of 32 languages
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Американски From Ню Йорк Абстрактен експресионизъм On Wikipedia in 23 of 32 languages
Vir Heroicus Sublimis (1958-60), монументална творба, допълнително затвърди този подход, с множество zips, създаващи усещане за пространствена дълбочина и предизвикващи чувства на възхищение и копнеж. "Zip"-ът не беше просто естетичен елемент; той беше структурна единица, същевременно разделяща и обединяваща платното, действайки като символичен маркер на човешко присъствие в безкрайното.
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Чешка From Опатово ['Реализъм', 'Символизъм', 'Орфизъм', 'Кубизъм', 'Абстракция'] On Wikipedia in 24 of 32 languages
Amorpha, Fugue en deux couleurs, субектът вече не е човек или място, а самото взаимодействие на цвета. Тази творба често се цитира като един от първите случаи на напълно нерепрезентативна живопис. Слоистовете пигмент не описват сцена; те създават ритъм от светлина и движение, който съществува независимо от всеки физически модел. Disks of Newton, Study for Fugue in Two Colors, около 1911 г.
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Германец From Дойчбазелниц Неоекспресионизъм On Wikipedia in 26 of 32 languages
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Американка From Бруклин Абстрактен експресионизъм On Wikipedia in 17 of 32 languages
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Германец From Ротенфлут Изразяване On Wikipedia in 25 of 32 languages
Karl Schmidt-Rottluff, born Karl Schmidt in 1884 in the small German town of Rottenflut (later Rottluff), stands as a monumental figure in the tumultuous world of early 20th-century art. Initially drawn to architecture at the Technical University of Dresden, Schmidt-Rottluff quickly found himself captivated by a more urgent calling – one that resonated with fellow students Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, Fritz Bleyl, and Erich Heckel.
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Германо-френска From Лайпциг Жестов абстрактен експресионизъм On Wikipedia in 15 of 32 languages
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Британска From Берлин Лондонската школа On Wikipedia in 17 of 32 languages
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Американски From Уиксь-Бар Абстрактен експресионизъм On Wikipedia in 17 of 32 languages
Seeking refuge from this sorrow, he embarked on a restless journey across America, developing an independent spirit and honing his observational skills.
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Scottish From Единбург Figurative painting
Born in Edinburgh, Scotland, Peter Doig’s father was a shipping merchant, necessitating the Doig family travel frequently.
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Индийска From Пандхарпур Кубистични повествователни картини On Wikipedia in 14 of 32 languages
Born in 1915 in the small town of Pandharpur, Maharashtra, his early years were steeped in the vibrant cultural textures of rural India. As his artistic consciousness matured, Husain became a central protagonist in the Bombay Progressive Artists' Group (BPAG). Within this crucible of creativity, Husain developed his signature aesthetic—a breathtaking fusion of European Cubism and indigenous narrative depth.
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Германска From Мешеде Експресионизъм, Фовизъм, Орфизъм, Кубизъм On Wikipedia in 28 of 32 languages
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Руски From Торжок Експресионизъм On Wikipedia in 23 of 32 languages
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Германец From Гвардейск Импресионизъм и експресионизъм On Wikipedia in 24 of 32 languages
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From Пекин ['Арт деко от 1920-те', 'Експресионизъм', 'Абстрактно изкуство'] On Wikipedia in 12 of 32 languages
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Швейцария From Южна Линда Изразяване и Баухаус On Wikipedia in 21 of 32 languages
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Полски From Варшава Символизъм, сюрреализм On Wikipedia in 27 of 32 languages
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Германска From Дьобелн Германски експресионизъм On Wikipedia in 22 of 32 languages
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Австро-американска From Виена Дванадесеттонова техника; Експресионизъм On Wikipedia in 31 of 32 languages
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Рускиня From Тула Изразъмственизъм On Wikipedia in 21 of 32 languages
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Испанец From Цвикау Кубизъм, Сюрреализъм On Wikipedia in 21 of 32 languages
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Унгарска From Будапеща Модерно унгарско изкуство On Wikipedia in 18 of 32 languages
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Сръбска From Чачак Експресионизъм и Фовизъм On Wikipedia in 27 of 32 languages
Growing up in Čačak, she experienced the hardships of Serbian life under Austro-Hungarian rule, fostering resilience and shaping her worldview. Recognizing her talent for art early on, her parents encouraged her pursuit of education beyond the conventional roles expected of women at the time.
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Белгийски From Антверпен Фламандска експресионистка изкуство On Wikipedia in 16 of 32 languages
Constant Permeke (1886-1952) stands as one of the most prominent figures in Flemish Expressionism, a movement that profoundly impacted Belgian art and culture during its formative years. Early Life & Influences: Born in Antwerp, Permeke’s upbringing was shaped by his father's dedication to landscape painting – a tradition that instilled in him an appreciation for observation and tonal subtlety.
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Български From Видин Школа на Париж, Експресионизъм On Wikipedia in 18 of 32 languages
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Германия From Грос Ниendorf Изразяване On Wikipedia in 15 of 32 languages
Christian Rohlfs’s formative years were marked by hardship but also by a nascent talent for drawing that would ultimately shape his artistic trajectory.
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German From Duisburg Expressionism
Wilhelm Lehmbruck (1881-1919) stands as a pivotal figure in German sculpture, embodying the spirit of Expressionism while retaining an undeniable connection to Naturalistic principles. Lehmbruck’s journey into art began with studies at the School of Applied Arts in Düsseldorf, fueled by a generous municipal stipend, allowing him to pursue his passion for sculpture alongside broader artistic explorations.
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Руско-френски From Витебск Кубизъм, Модернизъм On Wikipedia in 23 of 32 languages
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Американски From Грандин Абстракт изразяване On Wikipedia in 12 of 32 languages
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Австриец From Виена Експресионизъм On Wikipedia in 15 of 32 languages
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Американски From Портланд Лирична абстракция On Wikipedia in 9 of 32 languages
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Romanian From Iași ['Expressionism', 'Dadaism']
Arthur Segal (1875 – 1944) stands as a compelling figure in the turbulent landscape of early 20th-century European art, a Romanian artist whose career unfolded across multiple continents and artistic movements.
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Американски From Ню Йорк Абстрактен експресионизъм On Wikipedia in 12 of 32 languages
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Canadian From Montreal Lyrical Abstraction On Wikipedia in 14 of 32 languages
Later, he attended the École des beaux-arts de Montréal but transitioned to the École du meuble, graduating in 1945. This shift proved pivotal as it led him to Paul-Émile Borduas.
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German From Berlin Expressionism On Wikipedia in 18 of 32 languages
From early training to her pivotal role in Der Blaue Reiter (The Blue Rider), Münter’s life was inextricably linked with artistic exploration and a commitment to pushing the boundaries of what painting could be. Münter's artistic education began with private tutoring, followed by formal studies at the Düsseldorf studio of Ernst Bosch and later at the Damenschule (Women’s School) in Munich.
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Polish From Leorda Expressionism On Wikipedia in 11 of 32 languages
Early Life and Education: Born in Bukovina to Stanisław Weiss and Maria Kopaczyńska, Wojciech’s musical inclinations gave way to a fervent passion for painting after encountering Stanisław Przybyszewski. He pursued his artistic studies at Kraków's Academy of Fine Arts under Leon Wyczółkowski, initially focusing on historical or mythological subjects before embracing Expressionism as a profound response to Przybyszewski’s influence.
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Американски From Бъфало Абстрактен експресионизъм, Минимализъм On Wikipedia in 12 of 32 languages
The 1940s saw Reinhardt become an active member of American Abstract Artists (AAA), a group he considered pivotal to his development.
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Austrian From Bzenec Vienna Secession On Wikipedia in 13 of 32 languages
Born amidst the evocative landscapes of Bisenz, Bohemia, Maximilian Franz Viktor Zdenko Marie Kurzweil carried the romantic sensibilities of his youth into the heart of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. His relocation to Vienna in 1879 marked the beginning of a transformative era for both the artist and the city itself, as he moved from the quietude of his Czech origins toward the vibrant, pulsing energy of a burgeoning metropolis.
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French From Paris Expressionism
Bernard Buffet (1928–1999) remains one of the most evocative and polarizing figures in twentieth-century French art. Born in Paris during a period of profound global upheaval, his very existence was shaped by the shadows of the Second World War.
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German/Dutch From Krefeld Der Blaue Reiter On Wikipedia in 13 of 32 languages
Born in Krefeld, Germany, in 1889, into a family connected to the textile industry – a world of intricate patterns and vibrant hues – Campendonk’s artistic journey began not with formal training but with an apprenticeship, a grounding in craft that would later inform his deeply symbolic approach.
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Американски From Центървил Абстрактна живопис On Wikipedia in 14 of 32 languages
Mark George Tobey, born in Centerville, Wisconsin, in 1890, was more than just a painter; he was a spiritual seeker whose artistic journey mirrored his lifelong exploration of faith, philosophy, and the delicate balance between Eastern and Western aesthetics.
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Scottish Expressionism; Surrealism
Born in 1942 amidst the salt-sprayed fishing traditions of Port Seton, near Edinburgh, John Bellany CBE, RA emerged as one of Scotland’s most profound and evocative visual storytellers. During his formative years at the Edinburgh College of Art, he forged lasting bonds with contemporaries such as Alan Bold and Alexander Moffat, contributing to a movement dedicated to revitalizing Scottish art through a blend of local heritage and international influence.
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Нидерландска From 'c-Хертогенбос Експресионизъм, Люминизъм On Wikipedia in 8 of 32 languages
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German From Soest Expressionism On Wikipedia in 11 of 32 languages
In the fleeting dawn of the twentieth century, few voices resonated with as much raw, spiritual intensity as that of Wilhelm Morgner.
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Американец From Биърмингам Неоекспресионизъм On Wikipedia in 8 of 32 languages
Chalk Up Another One: Мощно произведение от 1992 г., което прославя чернокожия живот, като същевременно директно се противопоставя на расовите стереотипи. Scout (Girl): Неоекспресионистичен портрет, който използва смели цветове и графична дълбочина, за да улови същността на младостта и идентичността.
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Белгърска From Гент Фламандски експресионизъм On Wikipedia in 10 of 32 languages
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French Cubism
Armand Schonberger (1885–1974) stands as a captivating figure in the tapestry of early 20th-century modernism, a painter whose brush bridged the delicate light of Impressionism with the fractured, rhythmic energy of Cubism. Born in Galgóc and later finding his artistic soul within the vibrant bohemian circles of Munich and Budapest, Schonberger’s life was a continuous dialogue between tradition and the avant-garde.
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German From Dusseldorf New Objectivity & Realism
Werner Peiner (20 July 1897 – 19 August 1984) was a German painter whose artistic journey spanned from the expressive currents of early Expressionism to the increasingly formalized aesthetic dictated by the Third Reich, ultimately cementing his position as one of its most prominent official artists.
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British Biblical scenes, female figures
Mary Ascher (1900-1988) wasn’t merely a painter; she was an emotional archaeologist, meticulously excavating the hidden depths of biblical narratives and translating them into powerfully resonant visual experiences. Ascher rejected the prevailing detachment of much 20th-century art, instead embracing a deeply personal and often unsettling approach to depicting scenes from the Old Testament. Early influences on Ascher’s style were rooted in Expressionism and German Romanticism.
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Belgian From Ghent Expressionism, Surrealism On Wikipedia in 10 of 32 languages
Born in Ghent, Belgium, in 1883, Frits Van den Berghe’s life was a tapestry woven from artistic passion, personal turmoil, and a profound engagement with the shifting currents of early 20th-century European art. Van den Berghe’s journey began within the established framework of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts, where he studied under Jean Delvin, absorbing the foundational principles of academic painting.
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Born in Wedel, Holstein (Germany) on January 2nd, 1870, Ernst Heinrich Barlach was the eldest of four sons.
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Американец From Бейрут ['Асамблайж', 'Поп арт', 'Нео-дадаизъм'] On Wikipedia in 17 of 32 languages
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American From Чикаго Wood engraving, Graphic novel
Recognizing early on that he wished to pursue art as a vocation, Ward obtained an advanced degree in fine arts at Columbia Teachers' College in New York.
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German From Krefeld Expressionism On Wikipedia in 10 of 32 languages
Born in Krefeld, Germany, in 1880, Heinrich Nauen’s artistic journey was one of quiet observation and profound emotional resonance. Nauen’s formal training began at the Kunstakademie Düsseldorf in 1898, where he honed his skills under the tutelage of established masters. However, it was his subsequent studies at the Staatliche Akademie der Bildenden Künste Stuttgart from 1900 to 1902 that truly ignited his artistic fire.
Pictures worth knowing
When it happened
Fun figures
| САЩ | 18 |
|---|---|
| Германия | 17 |
| Австрия | 6 |
| Germany | 6 |
| Русия | 5 |
| Белгия | 3 |
| Съединени американски щати | 3 |
| Швейцария | 2 |
| 1840s | 1 |
|---|---|
| 1850s | 1 |
| 1860s | 10 |
| 1870s | 16 |
| 1880s | 22 |
| 1890s | 9 |
| 1900s | 13 |
| 1910s | 8 |
| 1920s | 10 |
| 1930s | 4 |
| 1940s | 2 |
| 1950s | 3 |
| 1960s | 1 |
Just the names
Good questions
Василий Кандински (#1) is first in this ranking, followed by Едвард Мунк (#2) and Жан-Мишел Баския (#3).
Василий Кандински (#1), Едвард Мунк (#2), Жан-Мишел Баския (#3), Паул Клее (#4) и Джаксън Полък (#5).
The highest-ranked living художници in this list are Герхард Рихтер (#9), Джаспър Джонс (#11), Анселм Кифер (#23), Юлиан Шнайбель (#35), Петър Дойг (#43) и Къри Джеймс Маршъл (#90).
10 women are in this ranking: Кете Колвиц (#25), Хелен Франкenthalер (#29), Паула Модерсон-Бекерова (#34), Ли Краснър (#37), Алис Нил (#49), Мариа́нна Верёвкина (#55), Надежда Петрович (#58) и Gabriele Münter (#77).
САЩ: 18 of the 100 художници in this list were born there, then Германия (17) и Австрия (6).
The highest-ranked художници born in Германия are Герхард Рихтер (#9), Франц Марк (#13), Ернст Лудвиг Кирхнер (#15), Ото Дикс (#18) и Макс Бекман (#21).
Ню Йорк: 4 of the художници in this list were born there.
The museums holding the most key works of this list are Музей Фолкванг (5), MoMA - Музеят на модерното изкуство (4) и Метрополитън Музей на изкуствата (4).
“This process was less about controlled brushwork and more about a rhythmic, almost primal release of energy onto the surface.” — from our biography of Джаксън Полък (#5).
Most художници in this list were born in the 1880s (22 of 100), between 1849 and 1960 overall.
The earliest-born художник in this list is Християн Ролфс (#62), born in 1849.
Our catalogue holds 16,739 works by these художници.
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