Lot 3
FRITZ BRANDTNER
Provenance:
Private Collection, Montreal
Note:
Born in Germany, Brandtner is noted as having introduced German Expressionism to Canada. Settling in Winnipeg, he found work as a commercial artist, set designer and muralist. It was during this time that Brandtner met LeMoine FitzGerald, who encouraged him to move to Montreal to take part in that city’s rapidly developing and experimental art scene. Once in Montreal, Brandtner made contact with likeminded individuals who shared his concern for social issues. Two years after settling in Montreal, Brandtner’s work was featured in an exhibition to benefit the Canadian League Against War and Fascism, and along with Dr. Norman Bethune, he founded the Children's Art Centre.
Brandtner worked in oils, watercolours, charcoal, woodcuts, linocuts and mixed media. His work often displays the influence of the German Expressionists, rich in design and riddled with boldly exaggerated forms. The two renderings on offer here of Longshoremen – one in watercolour and one woodcut print – are fine examples of this influence.