Carlos Schwabe (1877-1927)
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Carlos Schwabe was a Symbolist painter born in Germany. Schwabe moved to Geneva, Switzerland at a very young age and received his earliest training in art there under Joseph Mitty at the Ecole des Arts Decoratifs. As a young man, he moved to Paris to continue his studies. While he was in Paris, Schwabe met other emerging Symbolist painters and his unique style began to form.
Schwabe’s compositions generally included allegorical or mythological figures such as Death and the gods. He was in high demand as an illustrator for books, and illustrated many including “Jardin de l’infante” by Albert Samain and “Les Fleurs du Mal” by Baudelaire.
He lived and worked most of his life in France creating powerful scenes of life and death in a dramatic style. Nudes, angels, demons, fairies and other mythological creatures were just a few of his subjects, painted in a way to symbolize a variety of human emotions.
During his early years in Paris, Schwabe also worked as a wallpaper designer, which helped him to hone his graphic skills. This study in graphic design can be seen later in his mystical and religious compositions.
Though Schwabe’s main claim to fame was in book illustrations, he also created a number of sketches, watercolors and oil paintings. Today, Schwabe’s work may be found in France, Germany or Switzerland, perhaps as a sketch stuck between the pages of an old book.
Still wondering about a late 19th century European fantasy painting in your home? Contact us…it could be by Carlos Schwabe.