Stillleben mit Chrysanthemen und Amaryllis

About this artwork

Eben erst hatte man ihn zum Präsidenten der Berliner Secession bestellt. Dann, auf dem Höhepunkt seiner Karriere, ereilt ihn ein schwerer Schicksalsschlag: Im Alter von 53 Jahren wirft ein Schlaganfall Lovis Corinth nieder. Um ihn während der Rekonvaleszenz zum Malen zu ermutigen, schmückt seine Frau Charlotte die Wohnung mit Blumen. Fortan setzt sich Corinth kontinuierlich mit Blumenstillleben auseinander. Wie entfesselt verwandelt er seine Leinwände in einen einzigen großen Farbenrausch. Nahan...

Art Historical Context

Lovis Corinth's *Stillleben mit Chrysanthemen undaryllis* (1922), an oil on canvas measuring 121 96 cm, captures pivotal moment in the artist's life. At the height of his career, freshly appointed president of the Berlin Secession progressive group challenging conservative art establishments—Corinth suffered a stroke at age 53 During his recovery, his devoted wife, Charlotte, filled their home with flowers to inspire him to paint again. This personal encouragement sparked a prolific series of vibrant flower still lifes, transforming adversity into artistic triumph. Painted with a nearsighted intensity, the composition begins with crisp details at the bottom: glasses and a basket of apples, easily identifiable. As the eye moves upward, Corinth unleashes a riot of color. The central bouquet and fringed chrysanthemum petals dissolve into bold, expressive color patches, exemplifying his late Expressionist style. This dynamic technique reflects both his physical vision and emotional release, blending meticulous observation with unleashed energy. Housed in Vienna's Belvedere Collection, this work highlights Corinth's resilience and mastery of still life, elevating everyday blooms into symbols of renewal. Visitors will appreciate how personal hardship fueled one of Germany's most innovative painters to redefine floral subjects with raw, joyful exuberance.

About the Artist

Lovis Corinth · 1858–1925

Lovis Corinth, born Franz Heinrich Louis on July 21, 1858, in Tapiau, East Prussia (now Gvardeysk, Russia), to a tanner father, displayed prodigious drawing talent from childhood. He began formal training at the Königsberg Academy in 1876, then moved to the Academy of Fine Arts in Munich from 1880 to 1884, studying under Ludwig von Löfftz and briefly Franz von Defregger, where he absorbed a Realis...