Liebespaar – Edwin Scharff

Title

Liebespaar – Edwin Scharff

Representation of a loving couple by Edwin Scharff. Following the motif of a loving couple, paintings, sculptures, and graphics such as this are created. Signed and numbered 2/16.

ca. 1922

Artist

Scharff (1887-1955)

Edwin Paul Scharff (1887–1955) was a German sculptor, painter, and graphic artist. He is considered one of the most important representatives of modern sculpture in Germany in the early 20th century. Scharff initially studied painting at the Academy of Fine Arts in Munich but later switched to sculpture. He was strongly influenced by Auguste Rodin, as well as Aristide Maillol, and later by Expressionism. In the 1920s, he gained significant recognition; his works were exhibited in many shows. In 1923, he was appointed professor at the Prussian Academy of Arts in Berlin. From 1933 onward, he came under increasing political pressure. In 1937, several of his works were denounced as "degenerate art" and removed from museums. However, he was not completely banned and continued to work under restrictions. After 1945, he lived in Hamburg and became a professor at the Hamburg State School of Art (today the University of Fine Arts Hamburg). He was later rehabilitated and regained recognition.