W Gdanietz (1893-1962) - De Spinster

1893

Wilhelm Gdanietz is born on January 21, 1893 in Mainz, Germany.

1895

At the age of two he becomes deaf after an attack of scarlet fever. This handicap shapes his youth, but does not prevent him from pursuing an artistic career.

1902–1908

Attends the deaf school (Taubstummenanstalt) in Osnabrück, where his drawing talent further develops.

1911–1918

Studies at the Kunstakademie Düsseldorf. He is taught by, among others, Claus Meyer, Eduard von Gebhardt and Wilhelm (Willy) Spatz. He also works in the master studio of Franz Kiederich.

1918–ca. 1927

Makes study trips to the Alps, South Tyrol and Austria. His early paintings show mainly mountain landscapes and rural scenes.

1920

Holds an exhibition in the museum of the Dürerbund in Osnabrück, one of his first important public presentations.

1927

Settles in Volendam (Netherlands), where he opens a studio. He becomes fascinated by the traditional fishing life, the traditional dress and the characteristic interiors. These subjects become his trademark.

1930

Because of the changes surrounding the closure of the Zuiderzee and the disappearance of the old fishing life, he leaves Volendam and returns to Düsseldorf. He, however, continues to paint almost exclusively Dutch subjects and even outfits his home as a Volendam fisherman's house.

1939–1944

Participates annually in the Große Deutsche Kunstausstellung in Munich. In this period several of his paintings were purchased by prominent figures from the Nazi regime. This marks a historically charged chapter in his career.

1945–1969

Continues to work in Düsseldorf. He paints mainly genre scenes, fishermen, interiors and portraits in a traditional, realistic style, largely based on his memories of Volendam. His oeuvre grows to more than 1,000 paintings.

1969

Dies in Düsseldorf.

2009

His work is included in the exhibition “Gehörlose Künstler im Dritten Reich,” which also draws attention to his remarkable life story as a deaf artist.

Characteristics of his work

* Worked in a realistic, traditional style, inspired by the Dutch masters of the 17th century.
* Famous for his genre scenes of daily life in Volendam.
* Painted many fishermen, women in traditional dress, domestic interiors and portraits.
* His paintings are characterized by a warm light, meticulously worked details and a nostalgic atmosphere.
* Although he lived in Germany again after 1930, the Netherlands – and especially Volendam – remained his main source of inspiration.

Frame 30 x 40 cm

Frame 39 x 49 cm

Beautiful whole in good condition, of course the frame shows small signs of age, please view the photos, they form part of the description.

It will be well packed and sent by registered mail/insured.
Obviously you are welcome to pick up the work by appointment.