Georg Schrimpf was a German painter and graphic artist associated with the New Objectivity movement, which emerged in the 1920s as a counter-expression to the emotional style of expressionism. Born on February 13, 1889, in Munich, Germany, Schrimpf initially trained as a baker before deciding to pursue art as his career. He was largely self-taught, although he did spend some time studying at the Munich School of Arts and Crafts.
Schrimpf's style is characterized by serene, timeless, and almost dreamlike depictions of figures, often in landscape settings. His work often features a serene and idyllic quality, with a clear, calm composition and a sense of timeless tranquility. He preferred to paint portraits, still lifes, and landscapes, employing a palette that was dominated by soft pastel hues.
During the 1920s, Schrimpf gained recognition and was considered one of the leading figures of the New Objectivity movement, along with artists like Otto Dix and George Grosz. Despite this, he was not as politically inclined as some of his contemporaries. His work was more focused on an idealized representation of reality, which was in stark contrast to the more critical and cynical works of other New Objectivity artists.
With the rise of the Nazi regime in Germany, Schrimpf's work came under scrutiny. His art was deemed 'degenerate' by the Nazis in the 1930s, and he faced significant challenges during this period. Nonetheless, he continued to paint, and his work even exhibited a certain level of conformity that allowed him to survive artistically during these difficult times.
Georg Schrimpf passed away on April 19, 1938, in Berlin, at the age of 49. Although his career was relatively short, his contributions to the New Objectivity movement left a lasting impression on the world of art. Schrimpf's paintings can be seen in various museums and collections across Germany and beyond, and he remains an important figure for his role in the interwar period of German art history.
