Ernst Geitlinger

1895 - 1972

Quick facts

  • Nationality: Germany
  • Also known as: Ernst Friedrich Silvester Geitlinger
  • Works on this site: 6
  • Museums on this site: Bavarian State Painting Collections
  • Died: 1972
  • Lifespan: 77 years

A Life of Artistic Expression and Teaching

Born in Frankfurt, Germany, Ernst Geitlinger was a painter and university teacher who navigated a complex era of German art history. His formal education included studies at the National Academy of Design in New York and later at the Akademie der Bildenden Künste in Munich, where he studied under Karl Caspar from 1922 to 1931. Geitlinger’s career was marked by significant institutional involvement; he was a member of the Deutschen Künstlerbund, the Neuen Sezession, and the Juryfreien. Following the rise of the Nazi regime, he became a member of the Reichskammer der bildenden Künste. His work faced severe opposition when his art was classified as "entartete" (degenerate), leading to an exhibition ban and the destruction of his 1932 watercolor landscape by the Reichskunstkammer.

Legacy and Academic Influence

Despite the challenges of his early career, Geitlinger remained a vital figure in the German art scene. He was a co-founder of the Münchner Künstlervereinigung Neue Gruppe in 1946 and served on the board of the Deutschen Künstlerbund from 1952 to 1967. His influence extended deeply into the realm of education; he held a professorship at the Akademie der Bildenden Künste München and was described by the writer Janosch as a "great teacher." Geitlinger’s personal philosophy regarding art emphasized emotional resonance over traditional mastery, famously suggesting that a single red dot that brings joy to the soul holds more value than a masterpiece like a Rubens. His written estate is preserved in the Germanisches Nationalmuseum in Nürnberg.

Questions & Answers

How do I find works by Ernst Geitlinger on a specific theme?

To find works by Ernst Geitlinger on a specific theme, use the artist's By Keywords page, which groups the artworks by keyword.

Where can I see Ernst Geitlinger's artworks in a 3D gallery?

Ernst Geitlinger's artworks can be seen in a 3D gallery on the artist's 3D Museum page.

What are the birthplace and birth year of Ernst Geitlinger?

Ernst Geitlinger was born in Frankfurt in 1895.

Where is Ernst Geitlinger from?

Ernst Geitlinger was born in Germany.

Quick quiz

There is only one correct answer for each question.

Question 1:
In which city was Ernst Geitlinger born?
Question 2:
Which institution did Geitlinger study at in New York?
Question 3:
What happened to Geitlinger's watercolor 'Snow Landscape' in 1937?
Question 4:
In 1951, Geitlinger took a professorship at which institution?
Question 5:
According to the writer Janosch, what was Geitlinger's view on the value of art?