%C2%A9 Ernst Wilhelm Nay
Composition, 1958
Ernst Wilhelm Nayexpand_more
Watercolor on paperexpand_more
Gift of Elizabeth, Julie, and Catherine Andrus in memory of John and Marion Andrusexpand_more 2015.93.188
Not on Viewexpand_more
Ernst Nay ranks among the most famous post–World War II (1939–45) artists in Germany, yet his work is just beginning to receive serious recognition in the English-speaking world—the first English-language book about Nay appeared only in 2012. As a young man, he was a rising star among progressive artists. But when the Nazis came to power he was branded a “degenerate” artist and forbidden to exhibit. Drafted into the army, Nay continued to paint in secret in the studio of a friendly French sculptor. After the war, he and his art became symbols of a new Germany, and he represented his country in major international exhibitions.
Composition reveals Nay’s interest in two French artistic trends: tachisme (painting with spontaneous dabs of color) and art informel (art that does not record existing or premeditated forms).
Details
- Title
- Composition
- Artist Life
- 1902-1968
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 2015.93.188
- Provenance
- [John A. Torson, New York, and Art Lending Service, MOMA, New York; sold to Andrus]; John E. Andrus III, Wayzata, Minn.; by descent to his daughters, Elizabeth, Katie, and Julie; gave to MIA, 2015. Earlier provenances have been gathered, but further research will increase our knowledge of their histories.
- Curator Approved
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© Ernst Wilhelm Nay