Landscape Around Walchensee

In 1918, Lovis Corinth discovered for himself the artistic potential of the landscape around Walchensee, and the following year took up residency on its banks, in Urfeld. He continued to visit regularly until the period shortly before his death, staying a total of 16 times, typically for weeks at a time and in all seasons (though most often during the summer). Hence this unspoiled, primeval landscape was to play a significant role in the final creative period of his life. Again and again, throughout the various changing seasons, the scenery of this region gave rise to a great many paintings, watercolours, and drawings. Our picture, created in January 1925 during Corinth’s final sojourn at Walchensee, stands out from his other watercolours in a very particular way. Looking out from high ground, it is as though the artist takes the observer with him as he soars over the landscape, the wintry lake and panorama of the Wetterstein stretching expansively beneath him, creating something akin to a bird’s eye view.