Emil Betzler, Harlequins 1, German Expressionist Painting

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Emil Betzler German Expressionist tempera painting on ingrain 'Harlequins 1', 1962 ('Harlekins 1') Outstanding piece of Expressionist art. Not signed, … Read more Emil Betzler German Expressionist tempera painting on ingrain 'Harlequins 1', 1962 ('Harlekins 1') Outstanding piece of Expressionist art. Not signed, but clearly attributable to Emil Betzler. Similar work shown in 'Emil Betzler' - monograph of his artwork released in 1968 by Prof. Dr. Hans Meyers, Metopen Verlag Frankfurt/M, illustration No. No. 32, 41 or 48. The motif of harlequins, court jesters, clowns or bajazzos occurs early in his work. Further harlequin pictures are in private collections in Kairo, New York, Vienna, Munich and Frankfurt. Painting size: 60 x 30.5 cm / 23.6 x 12 in Black cardboard size: 70 x 50 cm / 27.5 x 19.7 in. The condition of the painting is excellent, aging of the cardboard can be noticed. Emil Betzler (1892-1974) was a German Expressionist painter and graphic artist, author and a teacher. He belongs to the generation of Chagall, Ernst, Dix and Grosz and was a friend of Germany's best known Expressionist painter, sculptor and printmaker Max Beckmann. He was co-founder of the artist group 'Ghat‘. In 1933 Emil Betzler was accused by the National Socialists of being a 'representative of deformed, expressionistic, Bolshevik art' a spy of the Jews and a member of the KPD. The Nazis had branded his work as ‘Degenerate Art‘. 1967 he has been awarded the German Federal Cross of Merit. Paintings by Emil Betzler are rarely seen on the art market. His artwork was shown in 32 galleries and museums inter alia in Frankfurt/M., Düsseldorf, Berlin, Ancona and Paris, thereof 8 solo exhibitions. This piece is attributed to the mentioned designer/maker. It has no attribution mark and no
official proof of authenticity,
however it is well documented in design history. I take full responsibility for any authenticity



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