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Olaf GulbranssonNorwegian artist, graphic artist and caricaturist.
Date of Birth: 26.05.1873
Country: ![]() |
Content:
- Early Life and Education
- Artistic Beginnings and Political Cartoons
- Marriage and Move to Paris
- Collaboration with Simplicissimus
- Artistic Success and Collaborations
- World War I and German Propaganda
- Post-War Years and Controversies
- Exhibitions and Awards
- Later Years and Artistic Legacy
Early Life and Education
Olaf Gulbransson was born into a family of printers of Swedish descent. From 1885 to 1893, he studied at the Royal School of Arts and Crafts in Oslo (then Christiania).
Artistic Beginnings and Political Cartoons
Beginning in 1890, Gulbransson published political caricatures in various Norwegian periodicals. He also illustrated books.
Marriage and Move to Paris
In 1897, Gulbransson married Inga Liegern, with whom he had two daughters. In 1899, he held his first exhibition in Oslo. Around 1900, he moved to Paris and enrolled at the Académie Colarossi.
Collaboration with Simplicissimus
In 1902, Gulbransson was invited by Albert Langen, publisher of the magazine Simplicissimus, to move to Munich. His first drawings for the magazine appeared in December 1902.
Artistic Success and Collaborations
Gulbransson became a member of the Berlin Secession in 1914. He collaborated with other artists, including Max Liebermann, Paul Wegener, and Heinrich Zille. In 1917, he joined the Berlin Academy of Arts.
World War I and German Propaganda
During World War I, Gulbransson was drafted into the German military and served in the propaganda department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Post-War Years and Controversies
After the war, Gulbransson returned to Munich. He separated from his second wife, Margrethe Jellinek, and moved to Partenkirchen. His support for Nazi policies and caricatures mocking Allied leaders caused controversy.
Exhibitions and Awards
Despite the controversy, Gulbransson continued to exhibit his work and receive accolades, including an exhibition at the Berlin Academy of Arts in 1924. In 1925, he became an honorary member of the Munich Academy of Fine Arts.
Later Years and Artistic Legacy
After the war, Gulbransson lived in seclusion, focusing on illustrating literature. He died from a stroke in 1958. The Olaf Gulbransson Prize was established in Germany in 1993 to honor talented young artists.