1858, Tapiau, Russland1925, Zandvoort, Niederlande

Biography

1858

July 21: Lovis (actually Franz Heinrich Louis) Corinth is born in Tapiau (East Prussia) to tanner Heinrich Corinth and his wife Wilhelmine.

1876

The family moves to Königsberg. Corinth begins his studies at the academy as a student of genre painter Otto Günther (1838-1884).

1880

On Günther's recommendation, Corinth begins studying at the Munich Academy, where great importance is attached to the technique of nude study.

1883

After completing one year of voluntary military service, he resumed his studies at the academy.

1884

Painting lessons in Antwerp. October: He enrolled at the Académie Julian in Paris.

1887

He returned to Königsberg.

1888

Corinth moves to Berlin. He adopts the artist name Lovis Corinth. With his first self-portrait, he begins his lifelong self-analysis through painting.

1891

He moves to Munich. Exhibition of the literary figure painting “Diogenes” in Munich's Glaspalast. The work is sharply criticized by critics.

1892

Corinth joins the Munich Secession without conviction.

1893

Together with other dissatisfied members of the Secession, he founds the “Free Association” with the aim of improving their exhibition opportunities.

1896

Corinth participates in the founding of the Masonic lodge “In Treue fest” (In Loyalty).

1897

When his painting “Salome” is rejected by the Munich Secession jury, he feels vindicated in his decision to leave Munich.

1900

Corinth commutes between Munich and Berlin. Friendship with Max Liebermann and Gerhart Hauptmann. Participation in the 2nd exhibition of the “Berlin Secession” and exhibition at the art dealer Paul Cassirer.

1901

Corinth moves to Berlin and opens a painting school. He becomes a member of the “Berlin Secession,” to whose board he is elected the following year.

1903

March 26: Corinth marries his student Charlotte Berend.

1906

He begins writing his autobiography.

1908

Corinth's textbook “Das Erlernen der Malerei” (Learning to Paint) is published.

1911

After Liebermann resigns as president of the Berlin Secession, Corinth is elected chairman. December: He suffers a stroke that leaves him paralyzed on one side.

1913

As a gesture of reconciliation, the Berlin Secession holds a major retrospective of Corinth's work. When 42 members led by Liebermann leave the Secession and found the Free Secession, Corinth remains the only notable artist associated with the old Secession.

1914

August: Corinth welcomes the outbreak of World War I with patriotic zeal. Like many other artists, he hopes that the war will bring about a radical new beginning.

1917

As a patriot, he wants to paint portraits of generals and politicians from the start of the war. This leads to the portrait of the organizer and head of the Imperial Navy, Grand Admiral Alfred von Tirpitz.

1918

The Academy of Arts in Berlin awards him the title of professor. The collapse of the German Empire shakes Corinth's political and artistic convictions.

1919

He purchases a property in Urfeld am Walchensee and increasingly withdraws from life in the big city.

1923

The Academy's spring exhibition brings together the works of Liebermann, Corinth, and Oskar Kokoschka to form a triad.

1924

He paints a portrait of Reich President Friedrich Ebert.

1925

July 17: Lovis Corinth dies near Amsterdam.

Solo Exhibitions

A selection

2025

In the spotlight! Lovis Corinth, the National Gallery, and the “Degenerate Art” campaign Alte Nationalgalerie, Berlin

2022

Lovis Corinth. Master of color – Master of graphic art Museo Castello San Materno, Ascona (Switzerland)

2021–2022

Lovis Corinth. Life – a Celebration, Austrian Gallery Belvedere, Vienna Saarland Museum – Modern Gallery, Saarbrücken

2016–2017

Naked and Bare. Lovis Corinth and the Nude around 1900, State Museum Hanover

2008–2009

Lovis Corinth. Soul Landscapes – Walchensee Paintings and Self-Portraits Franz Marc Museum, Kochel am See

1986

Lovis Corinth 1858–1925, Kunsthalle der Hypo-Kulturstiftung, Munich

1975

Lovis Corinth (1858–1925). Paintings and Prints, Municipal Gallery in the Lenbachhaus, Munich

1958

Lovis Corinth – Celebrating his 100th Birthday, Lenbachhaus, Munich