August Macke (1887 – 1914) was one of the leading members of the German Expressionist group Der Blaue Reiter (The Blue Rider). He lived during a particularly innovative time for German art which saw the development of the main German Expressionist movements as well as the arrival of the successive avant-garde movements which were forming in the rest of Europe.
August Macke was inspired by the leisure
activities of his fellow citizens, and captured shopping trips on numerous
occasions. This painting from 1914 features the standard style used throughout
his career - relatively small use of detail, concentrating more on bright and
bold colour. This expressionist approach was relatively new during the early
20th century but is now a well-accepted thoroughbred of art history. Most of his
paintings of shoppers capture them looking through the windows of stores,
rather than actually inside. They would always be well dressed, presumably wealthy.
Leisure time was something that not everyone could enjoy at that time. The
Victorian age marked major changes across European society and artists like
this provide a window into that time. In truth, most of Macke’s success was due
to the bright, expressionist style of his work, rather than the content
included. Sadly, this was to be one of the artist's final artworks, with his life soon
being lost in the First World War. It was later seized at around the time of WW2
because of the artist's relatively modern style which did not find favour with
the Third Reich. Here are some other paintings he made:
10 comments:
I have written about August Macke many times, most interestingly about his short time in Tunisia in 1914. Hia colours were amazing and the Mediterranean skies were delightful.
Thanks for the link
Hels
See https://melbourneblogger.blogspot.com/2010/08/sidi-bou-said-tunisia-colour-light-and.html
Hello Bazza, I like Macke's paintings. He was always able to portray the quality of dash, which pairs well with his strong use of color.
--Jim
I did not know his artwork prior to seeing it here. Love the Hat Shop painting. Thanks. Diana
His use of bright colors is wonderful.
Hi Bazza - I hadn't heard about him - but love his work ... and such a pity he died so young. Just so interesting to read and see a little more - thank you ... Hilary
Hels: Thanks for the reference to your own post. Macke's watercolours are instantly recognisable as his own work. He would have made an excellent impressionist!
Jim: His use of colour seems to have been his primary interest. He could have been a Fauvist as well as impressionist!
Diana: Good, I'm pleased that you discovered him! His paintings are always pleasing to look at.
Arleen: Agreed! I really enjoy colour in painting. Matisse, Derain, Vlamink etc.and, of course, August Macke.
Hilary: Both wars took so many people of talent, especially the more idealist First War. The poets and artists made work that lives on.
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