Karl Schmidt- Rottluff2001

The postcard, which is being gradually replaced today by electronic media, had a particular significance for Expressionist artists. The unique hand-painted, drawn or watercolour compositions were not only used to send personal greetings to artist colleagues or patrons, they were also a means of conveying preliminary sketches of an idea and impressions. Karl Schmidt-Rottluff (1884-1976) was particularly fond of this small-format means of expression and used it for over 25 years. Author Gerhard Wietek, who was a personal friend of the artist, studied his work for many decades and in this book examines 222 of the now widely distributed postcard drawings. These small works of art reflect the German art scene between 1909 and 1934, and were frequently a source of inspiration for subsequent paintings.