Portrait of L.T., Eugen Schönebeck
Eugen Schönebeck
Portrait of L.T.
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Eugen Schönebeck

Portrait of L.T., 1966


Dimensions
162 x 131 cm
Physical Description
Oil on canvas
Inventory Number
2326
Acquisition
Acquired in 2010 as a gift from Dorette Hildebrand-Staab
Status
On display, 2nd upper level, Old Masters, room 21

Texts

About the Work

The revolutionary is presented not as a dynamic hero but as a monumental, almost petrified, statue. With his oversize head and eyes void of pupils, he is a historical figure who remains unapproachable. L.T. – Leon Trotsky, hero of the 1917 Russian Revolution – appears as though painted for eternity, a monument to a political movement. Stylistically reminiscent of the Mexican muralists’ two-dimensional manner of painting, the work today bears testimony to the utopian vision and ideals of a whole generation – as well as to their failure.

About the Acquisition

In 2010 the Städel Museum in Frankfurt acquired four main works of contemporary German art through a donation by Dorette Hildebrand-Staab. Despite the prevailing opinion at that time, the donor had recognised the significance of Georg Baselitz early on and encouraged and supported the artist for many years. The four paintings donated to the Städel collection had already been purchased by the patron in the 1960s - in part directly from the artist's own private collection.

Video

Kunst nach 1945: Eugen Schönebeck
Im Rahmen der Reihe "Kunst nach 1945" stellt Eugen Schönebeck (geboren 1936 in Heidenau bei Dresden) im Gespräch mit Martin Engler, Leiter des Sammlungsbereichs Gegenwartskunst im Städel Museum, seine Werke vor, die im Städel Museum zu sehen sind. Wie war es, als Künstler im Berlin der 60er Jahre zu wirken? Warum wählte Schönebeck gerade die politischen Themen für seine Bilder, die seine Werke aus den 60er Jahren zeigen? Diesen und weiteren Fragen spürt der Film nach. http://www.staedelmuseum.de/de#youtube

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Last update

15.11.2024