Franz Krowacek (born 22nd November 1891 – died, 1956) was a German painter and printmaker. He was born in Dresden, Germany, and studied at the Royal Art Academy in Dresden from 1908 to 1914. As a young man his predominant influence was the dynamic development of pictorial art which defined the early decades of the twentieth century. This was an era of experimentation and post-Impressionism, with artists first delving into Expressionism and Abstraction. After World War I, he travelled extensively in Europe, and his work was influenced by the styles of Expressionism, Cubism, and Surrealism. In the 1930s, he was associated with the Dresden Secession, a group of artists who rejected the Nazi regime’s control of art. Krowacek’s work was banned by the Nazis, and he was forced to flee Germany in 1937. He settled in Switzerland, where he continued to paint and print until his death in 1956.
Krowacek’s paintings are characterized by their bold colours, simplified forms, and dynamic compositions. He often depicted urban landscapes and scenes of everyday life, but his work also included more abstract and surreal imagery. His prints, which were often produced in editions of only a few copies, are highly sought-after by collectors.
Krowacek is considered to be one of the most important German artists of the 20th century. His work is exhibited in museums around the world, and it has been the subject of numerous solo and group exhibitions.
Franz Krowacek was taught by several notable tutors including:
Franz Krowacek – Frau mit Kopftuch, 1941 (oil on board, 53.5 x 40cm). This painting, which is probably Franz Krowacek’s most well-known, is believed to be of a woman mourning at the funeral of his friend & tutor Carl Bantzer in 1941
Der Langebrücker Saugarten – an historic game enclosure near Dresden appears in Franz Krowacek’s painting Am kurfürstlichen Saugarten Bei Langebrück
Franz Krowacek “Am kurfürstlichen Saugarten – bei Langebrück” 1. H. 20. Jh. Öl auf Leinwand. Signiert “Franz Krowacek” u.re. Auf dem Bildträger verso nochmals signiert “Krowacek” und bezeichnet “Original”. Auf dem Keilrahmen dreifach signiert “Krowacek”, bezeichnet “Original”, mit Adressdaten des Künstlers versehen und betitelt. In profilierten, bronzierten Stuckrahmen.
Malschicht angeschmutzt, beginnendes Alterskrakelee. Unregelmäßig aufgetragener, gegilbter Firnis.
60,5 x 50 cm, Ra. 74,4 x 64,3 cm.
Parkeingang – Park Entrance Stairway lined by two balusters with vases, leading to a park entrance closed by a gate, in front of it reflections on the rain-soaked pavement, strongly impasto painting with lively brushwork in delicate colours, oil on cardboard, 1930s, signed lower right “Franz Krowacek”. On the reverse another painting with a horse-drawn cart loaded with cabbages, and greengrocers. Monogrammed lower right “FK”, approx. 43,5 x 35 cm.
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Franz Krowacek’s signatures on oil paintings are not always easily decipherable or easy to read. Common misspellings include “Franz Krowalek”, “Franz Krowalck”, "Frank Krowdcen", “Franz Browder”, “Franz Krowder”, “Franz Krowdcen” or “Franz Rrowder”.