W Gdanietz (1893-1962) - De Spinster

1893

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

1895

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

1902–1908

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

1911–1918

Studies at the Kunstakademie Düsseldorf. He studies with teachers including Claus Meyer, Eduard von Gebhardt and Wilhelm (Willy) Spatz. He also works in the master studio of Franz Kiederich.

1918–about 1927

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

1920

Has 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 clothing and the characteristic interiors. These subjects become his trademark.

1930

Due to changes surrounding the closure of the Zuiderzee and the disappearance of the old fishing life, he leaves Volendam and returns to Düsseldorf. He nevertheless continues to paint almost exclusively Dutch subjects and even arranges his home as a Volendam fishing cottage.

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 loaded chapter in his career.

1945–1969

Remains working in Düsseldorf. He mostly paints genre scenes, fishermen, interiors and portraits in a traditional, realist style, largely based on his memories of Volendam. His oeuvre grows to more than 1,000 paintings.

1969

Died in Düsseldorf.

2009

His work was included in the exhibition “Gehörlose Künstler im Dritten Reich,” which also drew 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.
* Renowned for his genre depictions of daily life in Volendam.
* Painted many fishermen, women in traditional dress, domestic interiors and portraits.
* His paintings are characterized by a warm light, carefully 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.

Spieraam 30 x 40 cm
Lijst 39 x 49 cm

A beautiful overall piece, in good condition; of course the frame shows small signs of age—please review the photos, they are part of the description.

Will be well packed and sent by registered/insured mail.
Naturally you are welcome to collect the work by appointment.