art
April 30, 2026
Georg Baselitz obituary
Painter and sculptor whose raw, expressive works reflected on postwar Germany and courted controversy over his 60-year career
TL;DR
- Georg Baselitz, a significant figure in the international art world, has died at the age of 88.
- He and fellow artist Eugen Schönebeck created "Pandemonium I" in 1961, a manifesto and artwork attacking contemporary German art.
- Baselitz rejected American abstraction dominance in postwar Germany, seeking to reclaim German Expressionism.
- His early work, like "Die Grosse Nacht im Eimer" (1963), caused scandal for its subject matter and echoes of prewar realism.
- His trademark upside-down figures, starting with "Der Mann am Baum" (1969), became iconic and challenged conventional painting methods.
- Baselitz's sculpture "Modell für eine Skulptur" (1980) at the Venice Biennale caused shock for its perceived Nazi salute.
- His career was characterized by challenging prejudices, leading to both acclaim and criticism, such as accusations of "Teutonic giantism."
- In later years, Baselitz made controversial statements about female artists and social concerns in art.
- He continued to work and exhibit until shortly before his death, with his most recent exhibition at the Munch museum in 2025.
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