Charles Crodel German artist Date of Birth: 16.09.1894 Country: Germany

1. Early Life and Education
2. Bauhaus and First Artistic Success
3. National and International Exhibitions
4. Monumental Murals and Teaching
5. Persecution Under Nazism
6. Destruction of Works and Transition to Other Media
7. Post-War Career and Influence

Early Life and Education

Karl Crodel was born in Marseilles to German consul and biologist Richard Crodel. After completing high school, he pursued studies in archaeology and art history in Jena (1915) and Munich under Richard Riemerschmid. In 1918, he married artist Elisabeth von Faberg.

Bauhaus and First Artistic Success

In 1921, Crodel joined the graphics department of the Weimar Bauhaus. He then studied under Ernst Haeckel at the Research Printing Workshop in Jena. His first engravings, which emerged in 1922, brought him recognition as an accomplished graphic artist, skilled in lithography, woodcuts, and watercolors.

National and International Exhibitions

Crodel's works gained wider recognition through exhibitions like the "German Expressionism" exhibition in Darmstadt (1920). His artwork was acquired by the print cabinet of the National Gallery in Berlin and the copper engraving cabinet of the National Library in Paris (1923).

Monumental Murals and Teaching

Crodel's artistic endeavors included monumental murals for the University of Jena (1924) and Erfurt's Schottenring Hospital (1925). In 1927, he became a lecturer at the Burg Giebichenstein School of Applied Arts in Halle. He established studios for mural painting and engraving and also taught art history.

Persecution Under Nazism

After the Nazi party came to power in 1933, Crodel was dismissed from his teaching position. His monumental works in Bad Lauchstädt were destroyed, and his artwork in the Giebichenstein School was removed and destroyed. Crodel fled to Norway, where he corresponded with Edvard Munch.

Destruction of Works and Transition to Other Media

Crodel's paintings were declared "degenerate art" in 1937, and over 50 of his works were confiscated from German museums and destroyed. Forced to abandon painting, Crodel turned to mosaics, glass art, and tapestries.

Post-War Career and Influence

In 1945, Crodel was invited to teach at the Dresden Academy of Applied Arts and later at the Berlin Academy of Fine Arts. He reunited with the Giebichenstein School in Halle until 1951, then moved to the Munich Academy of Fine Arts. He also taught in the United States from 1958 to 1965. Crodel's artistic legacy is preserved in numerous museums worldwide.