Early Life, Family and Training
József Árpád Murmann was born on March 5, 1889, in Pozsony, Austria-Hungary. He was the son of Mathild Farkas and Henrik Murmann, a carpenter. His early years were shaped by the tactile nature of his father's trade. In 1903, he moved to Vienna to study furniture carving, learning to work directly with wood.
A railway accident in 1905 changed the course of his physical life, resulting in the loss of his right hand. Despite this, he continued his studies. By 1911, he was enrolled at the Vienna Academy of Fine Arts, where he focused his attention on sculpture. He worked through the challenges of his handicap to develop his form and technique.
Activity in Paris and Berlin
A two-year stay in Paris marked a significant period of development for Murmann. During this time, he moved within circles that included the Société Nationale des Beaux-Arts, eventually becoming a member of the group in 1913. His presence in the city coincided with a time when the Société was under the leadership of Auguste Rodin.
By 1912, Murmann had moved to Berlin, where he remained until 1918. His work during these years appeared in the Pavillon of the Berlin Secession, specifically in exhibitions held in 1915 and 1916. He also spent time working as an illustrator for the publisher Paul Cassirer, creating title pages for various contributions in periodicals such as Kriegszeit.
Where to See the Works Today
His presence in modern collections remains felt in several cities. In Bratislava, the Slovak National Gallery holds a piece from his catalog. This collection includes a 1918 painting titled Portrait of a Man. Another work, Trees, dates to about 1915.
Beyond the borders of Slovakia, his work has found a place in the Museum of Modern Art in New York. The collection there includes pieces that reflect his time spent navigating the art circles of Europe. These works sit alongside other significant pieces from the era, preserved within the museum's holdings.
