Ernst Emil Schlatter Paintings

Ernst Emil Schlatter was a Swiss artist known for his contributions to the New Objectivity movement and his role in 20th-century Swiss art. Born on February 24, 1883, in St. Gallen, Switzerland, Schlatter developed an interest in art at a young age. He pursued his artistic training at the Munich Academy of Fine Arts, where he was exposed to various styles and techniques that would influence his later work.

Schlatter's early career was marked by experimentation with different genres, including landscape and portrait painting. However, he is most renowned for his detailed and realistic depictions of everyday life and his social critiques. His work often reflected the social and political atmosphere of Switzerland and Europe during his lifetime, particularly the interwar period and the years leading up to World War II.

During the 1920s and 1930s, Schlatter's style evolved to embrace the principles of the New Objectivity movement, which emerged in Germany as a counterpoint to the emotional excesses of Expressionism. This movement was characterized by a return to order and stability, focusing on the objective representation of reality. Schlatter's paintings from this period are marked by a clear, precise style and an often sober, critical view of society.

Despite the turmoil of the times, including the economic difficulties of the Great Depression and the rise of totalitarian regimes in Europe, Schlatter continued to produce work that was both reflective and critical of contemporary society. His paintings often depicted the struggles of the working class and critiqued the growing materialism and dehumanization he observed in modern life.

After World War II, Schlatter's work continued to evolve, though he remained committed to the figurative tradition. He received various honors and awards throughout his career and was recognized as an important Swiss artist of his time. Schlatter's legacy is preserved through his contributions to Swiss art history and the continued relevance of his work in discussions of the New Objectivity movement.

Ernst Emil Schlatter passed away on November 19, 1954, in St. Gallen. His work can be found in several Swiss museums and continues to be appreciated by art historians and collectors alike for its technical skill and social commentary.