24 - Lothar VON SEEBACH (1853–1930)

Lothar VON SEEBACH (1853–1930) Nude Woman Seen from Behind Oil on canvas, signed on the back. H_172 cm W_130 cm Lothar von Seebach was born on March 26, 1853, in Fessenbach, in the Grand Duchy of Baden, into a noble family with long-standing ties to Alsace. Drawn to the arts from an early age, he began his studies at the Academy of Fine Arts in Karlsruhe, where he acquired the foundations of his training in painting. He then chose to settle in Strasbourg in 1875, a city that became the main setting for his work and a constant source of inspiration. His numerous contacts within the Parisian art scene allowed him to discover developments in modern painting and gradually incorporate Impressionist techniques into his own work. A multi-talented artist, he practiced painting as well as drawing, watercolor, and printmaking. His subjects were varied: Alsatian landscapes, cityscapes, street scenes, portraits, and floral compositions. His painting is distinguished by a particular attention to the effects of light, colors, and fleeting impressions. Over the years, his brushwork grew in spontaneity and freedom, reflecting a sensitive and lively approach to his surroundings. He also placed great emphasis on the human figure—particularly the female form—which he depicted in intimate compositions. Deeply attached to Strasbourg, Lothar von Seebach played an active role in the flourishing of the regional art scene at the turn of the 20th century. In particular, he became close to Charles Spindler and took part in the discussions of the Saint-Léonard circle, which brought together several artists driven by a desire to revitalize Alsatian art while preserving its cultural distinctiveness. His studio gradually became a place of gathering and mentorship for young artists. After a period of absence due to World War I, he returned to Strasbourg in 1923, where he continued his work until his death on September 23, 1930. He left behind a significant body of work, marked by a dialogue between regional tradition and pictorial modernity. Lothar von Seebach’s uniqueness lies primarily in his Impressionist approach to painting, characterized by a constant exploration of light, color, and atmosphere. His free and spontaneous brushwork allowed him to capture fleeting impressions and sensitively render the variations in light within his surroundings. Rather than seeking a meticulous representation of details, he prioritized the liveliness of the moment and the expression of sensations. His compositions, often devoted to Alsatian landscapes, the streets of Strasbourg, and scenes of daily life, are thus distinguished by their luminosity, freshness, and intimate character. This style of painting, at the crossroads of French Impressionism and the regional artistic tradition, is one of the defining characteristics of his work. Selected Bibliography: Brigitte Wilke, *Der oberrheinische Impressionist Lothar von Seebach (1853–1930) – Monographie und Werkverzeichnis*, Georg Olms Verlag, 2003. Brigitte Wilke, *Les Travaux et les Jours: Lothar von Seebach, Painter of Alsace 1900*, La Nuée Bleue, 2003. B. and K. Offsetdruck, Ottersweier, *Lothar von Seebach 1853–1930*, Exhibition Catalog, 1996.