Stiller Winkel

Stiller Winkel by Alexander Kanoldt

Description: "Stiller Winkel" (translated as "Quiet Corner") by Alexander Kanoldt is a contemplative still-life painting that reflects the artist's characteristic style associated with the New Objectivity (Neue Sachlichkeit) movement. Created in the 1920s or 1930s, this work presents a tranquil and meticulously composed interior scene or still life, capturing a sense of calm and introspection. The painting features a selection of everyday objects arranged with precise attention to detail and balance, such as a vase of flowers, a book, or simple furnishings, all set within a quiet, understated space. Kanoldt's use of muted colors, such as grays, browns, and subdued greens, enhances the feeling of serenity and order, while his careful rendering of light and shadow adds depth and a subtle, reflective quality to the composition.

Kanoldt's "Stiller Winkel" exemplifies his dedication to depicting ordinary scenes with clarity and realism, focusing on their inherent beauty without emotional exaggeration. The artwork embodies the New Objectivity movement's emphasis on returning to a more sober, clear-sighted representation of reality in reaction to the excesses of Expressionism. Through its minimalism and focus on simple, familiar objects, "Stiller Winkel" invites viewers to find meaning in the quiet corners of everyday life, highlighting the artist's ability to capture the essence of stillness and contemplation.

Alexander Kanoldt (1881–1939) was a German painter who emerged as a leading figure in the New Objectivity movement. Born in Karlsruhe, Germany, he initially experimented with Cubism and Expressionism before moving toward a more realistic, objective style. His works often featured carefully constructed still lifes, landscapes, and interiors that conveyed a sense of calm and precision. Kanoldt was a founding member of the Munich New Secession, and his paintings are known for their meticulous detail, geometric order, and restrained color palette, reflecting the movement's focus on sobriety and realism.

Details:

• Location and Date Created: Germany, 1920s–1930s.
• Medium: Oil on canvas.
• Full Artwork Name: Stiller Winkel by Alexander Kanoldt (Translated: Quiet Corner).
• Artwork Style: New Objectivity (Neue Sachlichkeit) with elements of realism.
• Subject/Topic: A still-life or interior scene depicting a quiet, contemplative space with carefully arranged objects.