This video is part an ongoing series that delves into art making techniques, art history, and the artists themselves.
In this particular video I talk about some of the things that made Adolf Menzel’s work so amazing. As a painter his works were often applauded for their honesty. Looking at them today I would say that they are less idealized than what many of the artists in his day were making. In some ways this can be an outgrowth from the shorter time he spend in academia as the practice of idealization often comes from a prolonged exposure to the conventions of art making particular to a school or group. Menzel’s work is as singular as it is impressive and he continues to be an inspiration to aspiring artists both inside and outside contemporary academies.
