1476 - Franz Heckendorf (1888 Berlin – 1962 Munich)

Franz Heckendorf (1888 Berlin – 1962 Munich) "Grunewald Racetrack, 1922." Original title View of a horse race from the grandstand of the racetrack in Berlin-Grunewald, which existed from 1909 to 1934. An expressionist, spirited masterpiece by Heckendorf from his best and most significant creative period. Characteristic features include the dynamism of the condensed composition and crisp contouring within a formally abbreviated, two-dimensional rendering. This is also evident in the present composition, with the overhanging grandstand roof, the large arches of the racetrack, and the diagonal rays of sunlight. As early as 1913, Heckendorf had exhibited a painting titled “Rennbahn” at the Städt. Kunsthalle Mannheim and at the Fritz Gurlitt Gallery in Berlin alongside works by Henri Matisse and Ernst Ludwig Kirchner. In 1921, he created another “Rennbahn” painting, which illustrated an article about Heckendorf in the magazine “Die Kunst für alle” in 1923; another article praising him, written by Max Osborn, appeared in 1923–24 in “Deutsche Kunst und Dekoration.” Heckendorf, who had studied at the Berlin School of Applied Arts and the Berlin Academy from 1905 to 1908, exhibited regularly at the “Berliner Secession” beginning in 1909; he served as a member of its jury starting in 1917. During the Weimar Republic, Heckendorf was among the most compelling and prominent Expressionists alongside the “Brücke” artists; he submitted works to the major Berlin art exhibitions and the Academy exhibitions. During the “Third Reich,” Heckendorf was ostracized; his paintings were deemed “degenerate art,” and from 1943 to 1945, the artist—a member of the resistance—was imprisoned. Oil on canvas; signed and dated (19)22; titled, monogrammed, and dated 1922 on the reverse. 80.5 cm x 100 cm. Framed. Provenance: From the dissolution of a private collection in Berlin. Oil on canvas. Signed and dated (19)22. Monogrammed, titled, and dated 1922 on the reverse.