Fritz Ascher 

Born. 17 October 1893  in Berlin
Died 26 March 1970 in Berlin

Expressionist, Symbolist,

Fritz Ascher started his art studies at 16 with Max Liebermann. After receiving his diploma, Liebermann wrote a recommendation for him to study in Königsberg. After studying at Königsberg, he returned to Berlin to continue his studies.
Ascher was active in the Berlin avant-garde networks and befriended many famous artists. Influenced by the expressionist artists of that era, Ascher incorporated many of their styles to create his expressionistic view.
In his mid-20s, he travelled and spent time in Norway and southern Germany. In Munich, he met the Blue Rider group members and other influential artists who inspired him.
When Hitler assumed power, Ascher, who was Jewish-born, was not allowed to produce or exhibit any of his work. In 1938 during the persecution of the Jews, he was arrested and sent to a concentration camp and spent time in Potsdam Prison. Ascher was released after six months and went into hiding where he wrote poems about love and the beauty of nature.
After the war, Ascher returned to painting and focussed on painting forests and landscapes where he lived in Grunewald in Berlin. He suffered from depression and would have productive and non-productive phases throughout his lifetime.