Early Life and Artistic Development
Born in Berlin, Germany, Wilhelm Kohlhoff began his professional journey with an apprenticeship at the Royal Porcelain Manufactory Berlin following his schooling. While working, he taught himself the arts of drawing and painting. His early recognition in the art world came in 1914 when one of his paintings was exhibited at the Great Berlin Art Exhibition. By 1916, he was participating in exhibitions such as the 2nd Exhibition of the Free Secession and the Jury-free Art Show, eventually returning to the Berlin Secession in 1917, where he produced expressive works.
In 1918, Kohlhoff co-founded an art school alongside Franz Heckendorf, Krauskopf, and Deierling. This same year, he married the painter Catharine Fischeder. His talent was formally recognized in 1919 when he was awarded the Grand Prussian State Prize for a self-portrait, a work that was subsequently acquired by the Berlin National Gallery.
Later Career and Artistic Legacy
Kohlhoff's expressive works were later classified as "degenerate" by the Nazis, leading to the seizure of eight of his paintings from public collections in 1937. Despite this, he continued to receive commissions for murals in public buildings. During the war, he was deployed as a war painter and exhibited the work Die Fahne at the 1944 exhibition Deutsche Künstler und die SS in Breslau. Following his time in Soviet captivity, he settled in Zell im Fichtelgebirge and Hof (Saale), where he lived and worked in an atelier in the Ostturm of the Schillerschule from 1949 to 1953. His later period included the creation of many still lifes, landscapes, and portraits.
Questions & Answers
What are the birth city and country of Wilhelm Kohlhoff?
Wilhelm Kohlhoff was born in Berlin, in Germany.
Where are Wilhelm Kohlhoff's artworks grouped by art movement?
The movements Wilhelm Kohlhoff worked in can be seen on the artist's All Movements page, which groups the artworks by movement.
How do I find all works by Wilhelm Kohlhoff in a given medium?
To find all works by Wilhelm Kohlhoff in a given medium, use the artist's All Medium page.
Can I browse Wilhelm Kohlhoff's works by color palette?
Wilhelm Kohlhoff's works can be browsed by color palette on the artist's By Palettes page.
