Olevano (1927) by Alexander Kanoldt
Description: "Olevano" (1927) by Alexander Kanoldt is a compelling landscape painting depicting the small Italian town of Olevano Romano, situated in the picturesque hills southeast of Rome. This work showcases Kanoldt’s characteristic style associated with the New Objectivity (Neue Sachlichkeit) movement, emphasizing clarity, precision, and a meticulous approach to form and structure. In "Olevano," Kanoldt presents a sharply defined view of the town’s architecture, with its tightly packed houses and winding streets, rendered in a palette of muted earth tones, such as grays, browns, and greens. The composition is marked by an almost geometric simplicity, with the buildings appearing as interlocking planes that capture the stark, sunlit environment of the Italian landscape.
The painting reflects Kanoldt’s deep interest in exploring the essence of landscapes through a lens of objectivity, free from emotional or dramatic embellishment. The clarity and austerity of "Olevano" demonstrate his desire to depict reality with an almost photographic accuracy, creating a sense of stillness and timelessness. The composition suggests a contemplative observation of the environment, where the interplay of light and shadow on the village's structures creates a quiet yet powerful visual rhythm.
Alexander Kanoldt (1881–1939) was a German painter associated with the New Objectivity movement, which emerged in Germany during the 1920s. After initially experimenting with Cubism and Expressionism, Kanoldt became a founding member of the Munich New Secession, where he focused on a more precise and realistic approach to art. His works often feature carefully constructed compositions, clear lines, and a sense of detachment, reflecting the movement's goal to capture reality with clarity and restraint. "Olevano" is a notable example of Kanoldt's mastery in creating serene yet highly structured landscapes that invite viewers to reflect on the simplicity and quiet beauty of ordinary scenes.
Details:
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Location and Date Created: Olevano Romano, Italy, 1927.
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Medium: Oil on canvas.
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Full Artwork Name: Olevano (1927) by Alexander Kanoldt.
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Artwork Style: New Objectivity (Neue Sachlichkeit) with elements of realism.
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Subject/Topic: A landscape view of the Italian town of Olevano Romano, featuring its architectural structures rendered with clarity and precision.
