The Formative Years and Artistic Education
Born in Brühl, Germany, Will Küpper began his artistic journey with early lessons alongside Max Ernst. His path was marked by diverse training, including time at the Cologne Art School under Robert Seufferts and a period of study at the Düsseldorf Academy with Willy Spatz. He later moved to the Munich Academy, studying under Karl Caspar and Max Unold before returning to Düsseldorf, where he eventually became a master student of Heinrich Nauen.
His early career was shaped by significant historical events and professional engagements. Following service in the First World War, he studied in Düsseldorf and Munich, eventually opening an atelier in Walberberg. His professional involvement included co-founding the Rheinische Sezession and being a member of the Rheingruppe. Notably, he was commissioned to create a mural for the Düsseldorf Planetarium during his early years as a freelance artist.
Evolution of Style and Subject Matter
The trajectory of Küpper's work underwent a significant shift following the seizure of several of his works during the 1937 Entartete Kunst action. In the years following this period, his focus transitioned toward the intimate study of still lifes and depictions of working people. This era of production was tragically interrupted in 1942, when a bombing resulted in the loss of a large portion of his previous body of work.
His diverse repertoire includes notable works such as:
His paintings have been held in various collections, including the Wallraf-Richartz-Museum in Cologne and the Suermondt-Museum in Aachen.
Questions & Answers
In which historical period did Will Küpper work?
Will Küpper worked in the Modern period. The period situates the artist's activity in history.
Is there a 3D virtual tour of Will Küpper's works?
Will Küpper's artworks can be seen in a 3D gallery on the artist's 3D Museum page.
Can I explore Will Küpper's works by subject?
The Subject Atlas page maps Will Küpper's artworks by subject.
How can I see every artwork made by Will Küpper?
Every work by Will Küpper on this website can be browsed from the artist's All Artworks page.
