1460 - Eugen Spiro (1874 Breslau – 1972 New York)

Eugen Spiro (1874 Breslau – 1972 New York) “Plump Lady” (in an armchair). Original title This portrait from 1908, previously known only through a photograph in Spiro’s estate, is one of the artist’s early, expressively characterizing, representative portraits of prominent figures in society—a genre that would become one of his main areas of focus. Spiro studied at the Munich Academy beginning in 1894, became a student of Franz von Stuck in 1895, and in 1897 became his master student with his own studio in the Villa Stuck. In 1900, Spiro became a member of the Munich Secession; his portraits of women, in particular, were acclaimed in exhibitions and art magazines. In 1904, Spiro moved to Berlin, where he enjoyed the vibrant city life; he became a member of the Berlin Secession in 1906 and was regularly represented at the major Berlin art exhibitions. Following the National Socialists’ so-called “seizure of power” in 1933, the Jewish artist was forced to emigrate: to Paris in 1935, and to New York in 1940–41, where his portraits and landscapes also enjoyed great success in the United States. Oil on canvas; signed and dated (19)08 in the lower right. 95 cm x 75 cm. Framed. Lit./Catalog: Abercron, No. A-08.03 with ill., p. 217. Oil on canvas. Signed and dated (19)08. Mentioned in the catalogue raisonné.