Ernst Morgenthaler – Important Mid-Century Swiss Figurative Artist
Ernst Morgenthaler was one of the major Swiss artists of the 20th century. He was a student of Cuno Amiet and Paul Klee and a friend of the author Hermann Hesse.
Morgenthaler was deeply influenced by the traditional Swiss farming environment in which he grew up. After an unhappy career start in the silk business, Morgenthaler began to draw, and at the age of 27 became the student of Cuno Amiet in 0schwand. It was there that he met and married his wife the artist Sasha von Sinner. The couple and their children moved frequently within Switzerland, and beyond for stays in Paris, Munich and long trips to north Africa and Italy.
Paul Klee initially exerted a deep influence on Morgenthaler’s work, but the artist eventually developed a more expressionist style. His major themes were portraits, motherhood, farmers, workers, and what the Benezit dictionary describes as “the exodus theme.” Morgenthaler eventually settled in Zurich, where he was an active participant in the cultural life of the city. He produced a broad body of work – paintings, drawings and graphic work – and is considered one of the most important Swiss figurative artists of the mid-20th Century. Morgenthaler’s work can be found in major museums throughout Switzerland. A retrospective of his work was held during his lifetime at the Kunstmuseum in Bern in 1957.
Sources: Benezit, Biographic Dictionary of Swiss Artists
