Lot 38

Emil Orlik (1870 - 1932) GODDESS MUT

Emil Orlik’s oeuvre continues to be discovered and enjoys growing popularity not only in the Czech Republic, but also in Germany and Austria. This unique artist, painter, illustrator, graphic artist, photographer and teacher was born to a large Jewish family in Prague. His artistic talent was already apparent when he was a child, and thanks to his father’s support he was able to be accepted to the Academy in Munich. In 1900–02 he went on his first trip to Asia (China and Japan), a trip that provided him with lifelong inspiration and mastery of Japanese woodcut techniques. In 1905 he moved from Prague to Berlin, becoming a member of the Berlin Secession. However, he also regularly travelled to exhibitions in Bohemia. He worked as a graphic arts professor at the applied arts institute under the Kunstgewerbemuseum, which was later made a part of the Academy in Berlin. In 1912 he undertook another very thought-provoking study trip to Northern Africa, where he visited Egypt. An unrivalled experimenter and innovator in the field of printmaking, he also mastered flat decorative style in his paintings connected with the influence of non-European art; he did not restrict himself to popular themes, finding inspiration in scenes from everyday life. He is also considered a chronicler of his time because he portrayed many important figures in his prints, including Einstein, Schnitzler, Jannings, Mann and others. His works are sought by collectors in the Czech Republic and abroad.