''The Burning Soil'', 1922, painting by Josef Fenneker is a painting by Movie World Posters which was uploaded on October 21st, 2022.
''The Burning Soil'', 1922, painting by Josef Fenneker
Base painting for the vintage movie poster ''The Burning Soil'', a 1922 silent drama film directed by F.W. Murnau, a pioneering figure in German... more
Title
''The Burning Soil'', 1922, painting by Josef Fenneker
Artist
Movie World Posters
Medium
Painting - Movie Posters
Description
Base painting for the vintage movie poster ''The Burning Soil'', a 1922 silent drama film directed by F.W. Murnau, a pioneering figure in German cinema known for his innovative filmmaking techniques. The film, also known as "Der brennende Acker" in German, is based on the novel of the same name by Ernst Lothar.
Set against the backdrop of post-World War I Germany, "The Burning Soil" tells the story of a struggling farmer named Lemke, played by Eugen Klöpfer. Lemke faces numerous hardships as he tries to keep his farm afloat amid economic turmoil and social unrest in the aftermath of the war.
As Lemke battles against drought, debt, and the exploitation of wealthy landowners, he becomes increasingly desperate to provide for his family and preserve his way of life. However, his efforts are complicated by the arrival of a mysterious stranger, played by Vladimir Gajdarov, whose presence threatens to disrupt the fragile balance of power in the community.
"The Burning Soil" is characterized by its stark realism, atmospheric cinematography, and powerful performances. F.W. Murnau's masterful direction imbues the film with a sense of urgency and authenticity, capturing the harsh realities of rural life in Germany during a tumultuous period of history.
Eugen Klöpfer delivers a compelling portrayal of Lemke, embodying the character's resilience, determination, and moral integrity in the face of adversity. His performance anchors the film, drawing viewers into Lemke's struggle and eliciting empathy for his plight.
"The Burning Soil" is also notable for its exploration of social and political themes, including class conflict, exploitation, and the effects of war on rural communities. Through its nuanced storytelling and evocative imagery, the film offers a poignant commentary on the human condition and the enduring resilience of the human spirit.
Overall, "The Burning Soil" is a powerful and thought-provoking drama that stands as a testament to F.W. Murnau's talent as a filmmaker and storyteller. With its timeless themes, stunning visuals, and memorable performances, the film remains a classic of silent cinema, revered by cinephiles for its artistic merit and historical significance.
Base art is the poster artwork after the text has been digitally removed.
About the artist:
The posters of graphic artist and painter Josef Fenneker impress with their dark, mysterious and fascinating atmospheres. Stylistically, they embody the unusual and elegant forms of Art Nouveau and the intense emotional energy of the Expressionist painting. His characters, often haunting and spectral female figures, stand out against dark black or blue backgrounds. They are characterized by livid and gloomy tones. The restlessness of 1920s Berlin and the Weimer Republic shines through Fenneker's artworks.
The artist masterfully used the technique of color lithography, thus preferring the medium of printmaking. Lithography was a tradition in German culture. It allowed great expressive possibilities, enhancing contrasts and the sharpness of outlines. While the German printers in that period who were able to keep a colored image bright and distinct within a solid dark ink background were considered the world's most skilled.
About the artist:
Josef Fenneker (1895–1956) was born in Bocholt, Germany and went on to become a noted German painter and graphic artist, designing over 300 movie posters. His recognizable style drew mainly on German Expressionism with a flair for aesthetic decadence.
After studying in Münster, Düsseldorf, and Munich, Fenneker moved to Berlin, where he studied graphic arts and book art at the teaching institute of the Kunstgewerbemuseum. He was a master student of Emil Orlik during his studies there.
At the beginning of his career, Fenneker primarily focused on commercial graphics. However, after 1918, he began designing film posters for major Berlin premiere theaters. His unique style quickly earned him notoriety among the industry. Dr. Siegbert Goldschmitt, director of the distinguished Marmorhaus film theater, commissioned Fenneker to design for many of his theater’s exhibited films.
By age 30, Fenneker had already painted and designed over 250 works. Like many other European poster artists, he created original paintings instead of using photographs, stating, "No photo can show the 'excessive drama' of the cinema; only the drawn and painted illustration can do that."
Fenneker's influences included Expressionism, Cubism and Futurism, Art Deco, and Jugendstil (Art Nouveau). His expressionistic style earned him a position as one of the most important representatives of artistic film posters of the 1910s and 1920s.
Search "Fenneker" to see more of his art.
Uploaded
October 21st, 2022
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