Ernst Vollbehr Paintings

Ernst Vollbehr was a German painter and artist, born on May 27, 1876, in Kiel, Germany. He was known for his work as a war painter and for his depictions of industrial and historical landscapes across the world. Vollbehr studied architecture in Munich before shifting his focus to painting. He traveled extensively, which greatly influenced his work, allowing him to capture a variety of landscapes and scenes from different cultures.

During World War I, Vollbehr served as a war painter, creating works that documented the German military campaigns. His role was to capture the essence of the war from the German perspective, which was a common practice at the time for nations to commission artists to document their military exploits. After the war, he continued to travel and paint, visiting places such as Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.

Vollbehr's travels took him to over 100 countries, during which he painted numerous landscapes and scenes depicting local life. He was particularly fascinated by the colors and light of different environments, which is reflected in his vibrant and often large-scale paintings. His work during the interwar period contributed to his reputation as an adventurer-artist, capturing the world through his unique artistic vision.

Ernst Vollbehr was also interested in the technological advancements of his time, and he painted industrial scenes, including factories and construction sites, showcasing the power and impact of industry on the landscape. His art serves as a historical record of the early 20th-century industrialization and its environmental and social effects.

Despite his travels and the global scope of his work, Vollbehr was also influenced by the politics of his time. During the Nazi era in Germany, he was appointed a professor and his works were endorsed by the regime, which sought to use art for its propaganda purposes. This affiliation with the Nazi regime has since cast a shadow over his legacy.

Vollbehr continued to paint until his later years, leaving behind a vast oeuvre that provides a window into the world as it was in the first half of the 20th century. His works can be found in various museums and private collections. Ernst Vollbehr passed away on May 11, 1960, in Bad Wiessee, Germany, but his extensive body of work continues to be studied and appreciated for its historical value and artistic merit.