Lovis Corinth

Born. 21.07.1858 in Tapiau, Russia
Died. 17.07.1925 in Zandvoort, Netherlands

German artist and printmaker – expressionism and impressionism

About the Artist

Corinth wanted to study historical painting at the Königsberg Academy in 1876 but Otto Günther, his instructor, advised him against it. In 1880 He travelled to Munich in 1880, studying with Franz von Defregger before continuing his studies at the Academy of Fine Arts in Munich.

After spending one year in the army, Corinth continued his studies until 1884. He travelled to Antwerp, where he was influenced by the paintings of Rubens. In October 1884 he moved to Paris where he studied at the Académie Julian. He concentrated on improving his drawing skills, focusing mainly on female nudity.

In 1891, he returned to Munich, leaving the Munich Academy in 1892 to join the Munich Secession.

In 1900 Corinth moved to Berlin, he opened a school of painting for women and married his first student, Charlotte Berend, some 20 years his junior. In 1911 Corinth’s style changed moving towards more expressionistic qualities. Using vibrant colours he created portraits and landscapes of extraordinary vitality and power. From 1915–25, he served as President of the Berlin Secession.

On a trip to the Netherlands in 1925, he caught pneumonia and died at the age of 67.