1471 - Otto Pippel (1878, Łódź – 1960, Planegg near Munich)

Otto Pippel (1878, Łódź – 1960, Planegg near Munich) "Linden with Old Fritz." Original title A view of the snow-covered boulevard in winter, featuring the equestrian statue of King Frederick II of Prussia in the morning light, bustling with numerous carriages, automobiles, and passersby. An Impressionist masterpiece from a series of works featuring Berlin motifs, painted in 1920 with soft, impasto brushstrokes. Here, Pippel—much like his two Berlin artist colleagues Max Liebermann and Lesser Ury—painted not only “Unter den Linden” but also a series of other streets and squares in the vibrant capital, capturing their atmosphere and vitality. Pippel, who studied in Karlsruhe and Dresden—including under Gotthard Kuehl—had been based primarily in Planegg near Munich since 1909. In 1911, Pippel made his debut at the Munich Glaspalast, where he exhibited regularly and frequently thereafter. That same year, he became a member of the Luitpold Group artists’ association. Characteristic of his style are shimmering light effects and a dense, impasto application of paint using a palette knife or loose brushstrokes. He became particularly well-known for his numerous Alpine landscapes. In addition to his Munich motifs featuring coffeehouse and beer garden scenes, Pippel’s views of Berlin are also among his most sought-after paintings. Oil on canvas; signed and dated 1920 on the reverse with the location “Berlin.” Titled on the reverse on a studio label (indicating Planegg). 90 cm x 100.5 cm. Framed. Oil on canvas. Signed and dated 1920 with the location Berlin. Titled on a studio label on the reverse.