Artists

George Grosz


b. 1893 - d. 1959, Germany

Artist Bio

1893
Born Georg Ehrenfried Gross in Berlin, only son & youngest child. His parents own a bar.

1900
After death of husband, mother moves to a poor area of Berlin. She works to support family, takes in boarders.

1902
Returns to Stolp.

1908
Hits back at his teacher. Dismissed from grammar school.

1909
Moves to Dresden, attends the Academy of Arts. Studies with draftsman Richard Muller.

1912
Studies under Emil Orlik at the School of Arts and Crafts (Kunstgewerbeschule) in Berlin.

1914
Volunteers for army. Discharged in 1915.

1915
Taking lead from Helmut Herzfeld, (John Heartfield) he becomes George. Begins a campaign of rebellion against the military.

1916
With Franz Jung, founds find the first German Dada periodical, Neue Jugend.

1917
Drafted into the militia. A sympathetic patron has Grosz admitted to a mental institution, is later discharged. Wieland Herzfeld publishes two portfolios of his political satire.

1920
Continued activity in left-wing groups. Drawings confiscated by police.

1921
Charged with defaming the army with portfolio "Gott mit uns" (God with us).

1923
Portfolio "Ecce Homo" published, results in conviction for defamation of public morals.

1924
"Ecce Homo" confiscated as pornography.

1928
Drawing entitled "Shut Up and Keep Serving the Cause," results in blasphemy suit.

1932
Invited to New York to teach at Art Student's League. He emigrates a year later.

1938
Stripped of German citizenship, works publicly burnt.

1954
Retrospective at Whitney Museum. Visits Germany for first time since leaving.

1959
Returns to West Berlin, dies on July 6.

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