George Grosz – Artwork & Bio of the German Painter

George Grosz was a German painter born on 26 July 1893 in Berlin, Germany. He started drawing early, illustrating scenes of soldiers and characters from his favorite books. After his expulsion from high school, Grosz enrolled at the Dresden Academy of Art in 1908 and graduated in 1911. He returned to Berlin afterward and continued painting.

Grosz had subsequent stints of studying at the Kunstgewerbeschule and the Academie Colarossi. After serving shortly in the First World War, Grosz was discharged from the army, and he continued painting, influenced by his war experiences. In 1919, he sold his first paintings and held his first solo exhibition the following year. During this period, Grosz painted satirical works addressing political issues and figures.

During his later years, Grosz worked as an art instructor in several prestigious institutions, such as the Arts Students League, the Skowhegan School of Art, and Columbia University. He also reopened the private art school he had established and closed earlier in 1937. He died on 6 July 1959 in Berlin, Germany, after falling down a flight of stairs.

What was George Grosz Known For?

George Grosz was known for painting satirical works that challenged sociopolitical issues. Despite constantly landing in trouble for his works, Grosz continued to create these works and published them in famous publications. However, during his later years, Grosz abandoned the political theme and painted more oil landscapes and romantic art.

Who was George Grosz Influenced By?

George Grosz was influenced by Honore Daumier and William Hogarth. Grosz admired the works of the sociopolitical satirists and worked to become the German equivalent of these artists.