Sedentary Group 1942
oskarschlemmer
stadelmuseum
drawing, watercolor
portrait
drawing
woman
abstract painting
german-expressionism
figuration
possibly oil pastel
watercolor
german
geometric
underpainting
pastel chalk drawing
painting painterly
animal drawing portrait
watercolor
"Sedentary Group" (1942) by Oskar Schlemmer is a watercolor painting depicting three figures in a seated pose. The artwork is known for its abstract style and geometric forms. The figures are stylized and appear to be almost robotic, with their bodies reduced to simple shapes. The overall composition is balanced and harmonious, creating a sense of stillness and contemplation. The use of muted colors adds to the painting's somber atmosphere, reflecting the difficult time period in which it was created. Schlemmer was a German painter and sculptor, known for his contributions to the Bauhaus movement and his interest in human movement and form. "Sedentary Group" is a powerful example of Schlemmer's artistic vision and his exploration of abstract representation. The artwork can be viewed at the Städel Museum.
Comments
Even in the face of ongoing defamation by the Nazis, Schlemmer stuck to his all-decisive principle: 'the simple state of the figure, … its silent to and fro in space' (diary, 18 Jan. 1936). This idea also informs the ‘Sedentary Group’ with its relatively subdued palette. To obtain that effect, Schlemmer dabbed the diluted oils on the smooth oil paper with a brush and a sponge. Light and shade come about through the density of the paint’s diffuse, cloudy-looking application.
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