Mixed media (watercolor, pencil, pastel, red chalk) on wove paper
Germany, 1969
Gerhard Altenbourg (1926-1986) - actually Gerhard Ströch, German painter and graphic artist
Signed and dated lower center ‘Altenbourg 69’
Verso titled ‘Blicke, entlaubt’
Sheet size: 64.2 x 25.8 cm
Very good condition
Catalog raisonné: Janda, Vol. II, 69/21
Provenance: Private collection, Southern Germany
Typical abstract composition of Altenbourg that characterizes his abstract figures and imaginary world landscapes; similar works fetch up to €66,000 at international auctions

This present work by artist Gerhard Altenbourg is titled ‘Blicke, entlaubt’ and was created in 1969, depicting an abstract figurative composition. The artistic works of Altenbourg offer insights into a spiritual world. His role models are mostly works of the great philosophers and artists such as Plotinus, Dürer, Rembrandt, Casper David Friedrich or Redon and Dostoevsky, to name just a few. Moreover Altenbourg created illustrations for various poems. His means of expression vary, he preferably uses pens, fine brushes, watercolor, ink, and chalk, applying them mostly in mixed media. There are loose and shadowy forms, through which he expresses his dreamlike, imaginary world landscapes and figures.

The work is signed and dated bottom center ‘Altenbourg 69’ and titled ‘Blicke, entlaubt’on verso. The sheet is mounted at four corners (reversible) to a support and framed by a widow mat. It is in very good condition. The sheet-sized image measures 64.2 x 25.8 cm.

Gerhard Altenbourg (1926-1989)

Gerhard Altenbourg was born in 1926 near Gotha. Shortly afterwards, the family moved to Altenburg. From 1946 to 1948 he took painting lessons from Erich Dietz, followed by studies at the University of Architecture and Visual Arts in Leipzig. After completing his studies he lived in Altenburg as freelance artist and took the city name as his artist’s name in the mid-1950s. In 1961 he had a studio in the Academy of the Arts in West Berlin, in 1970 he became a full member of the Academy. He participated in the Documenta II. and VI. Altenbourg refused to follow the art politics of the GDR, therefore has been forbidden to exhibit. His works can be found today in prestigious collections, including the MoMA in New York.

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