Franz Marc (1880-1916)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Country of Origin: Germany
About the Artist:
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Introduced to art at a
young age since his
father worked as a
landscape painter
Studied in Munich at
the Academy of Fine
Arts.
Was introduced to the
work of Gaugin, Van
Gogh and Picasso
after travelling to
France
Notable Influences:
Gaugin, Van Gogh, Picasso,
Matisse and Macke.
Characteristics:
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Subject Matter:
Animals (representing
innocence and
liberation from greed)
Bright and bold
colours (used
symbolically)
Sense of movement
Works in Oil Paint,
lithography and
woodcut
Associated Movements
Expressionism: Art style in
which the artist tries to convey
their emotions and personal
feelings to their audience.
Originated in Germany
Cubeism: Art style in which the
subject is divided into
geometric forms. These shapes
are then arranged into an
abstract composition.
Historical Contex
 Artists begin attempting to create their own
signature styles.
 German Expressionist groups were created (Die
Brüke and Der Blaue Reiter) which promoted new
artists. This further developed Expressionism in
Germany
Importance in History
 Established the Der Blaue Reiter (Blue Rider)
Journal with Wassily Kandinsky showcasing the
emerging styles and works of new artists.
 Significant individual during the German
Expressionist movement
The Art Pieces…
Lizards (top)
 Created in 1912
 Medium: Lithography
Foxes (middle)
 Created in 1913
 Example of Marc’s work in Cubism.
 Picasso’s influence is evident
o As seen in the cubist style of the art work
 Medium: Oil on Canvas
Blue Horse (bottom)
 Created in 1911
 Example of Marc’s signature use of colour
o Also an example of Gauguin and Van
Gogh’s influence
 Medium: Oil on Canvas
Significance of
Colour…
Red:
Violence/seriousness
Blue:
masculinity/spirituality
Yellow
femininity/joy
Works Cited
“Franz Marc and His Paintings”. Franz Marc Painting, Quotes and Biography web. October 6, 2014.
“Franz Marc(1880-1916)” ArtyFactory. Web. October 6, 2014.
Brommer, Gerald F. Discovering Art History. Worcester: Davis Publications, Inc. 1997. Print