Ernest Špitz

1927 - 1960

Essentials

  • Lifespan: 33 years
  • Typical colors: rosy brown
  • Top 3 works:
    • After the Bath
    • From the City
    • During Threshing
  • Copyright status: Under copyright
  • Color intensity:
    • monochromatic
    • balanced
  • Died: 1960

Life and Artistic Journey

Born in Trnava, Slovakia, Ernest Špitz was a painter, graphic artist, draftsperson, and illustrator. His early years were marked by significant hardship; his family, originally from Trnava, had moved to Palestine before returning to Slovakia. During the war years, his family faced extreme poverty and the threat of deportation due to their Jewish faith. Despite these challenges, Špitz pursued his education, studying at the Academy of Fine Arts in Prague and later at the Academy of Fine Arts in Bratislava. His work often reflected the profound anxiety and fear experienced during the war years, particularly in pieces depicting scenes from concentration camps.

His artistic output was centered on figurative works, including portrait studies, figurative compositions, nudes, and genre motifs. He also captured landscapes, village life, still lifes, and scenes from the world of the circus and theater. His style evolved from a focus on solid compositional structure and rich color in his early works to a more expressive and simplified approach in his later years.

Legacy and Notable Works

Beyond his personal painting, Špitz was an active organizer of cultural-social events, including the preparation of the Divadlo videnia project. He was instrumental in the creation of the Galéria mladých (Gallery of the Young), which served as a vital space for contemporary art trends and discussions for emerging artists. His work is represented in collections such as the Slovak National Gallery in Bratislava and the J. Koniark Gallery in Trnava.

Some of his notable works include:

Questions & Answers

In which historical period did Ernest Špitz work?

Ernest Špitz worked in the Modern period. The period situates the artist's activity in history.

Is there a 3D virtual tour of Ernest Špitz's works?

A virtual visit is possible: the 3D Museum page of Ernest Špitz presents the artist's works in a three-dimensional gallery.

Can I browse Ernest Špitz's works by mood?

Ernest Špitz's works can be browsed by mood on the artist's Mood Room page, which arranges the artworks by their recorded moods.

Where can I see Ernest Špitz's artworks in chronological order?

Ernest Špitz's artworks can be seen in chronological order on the artist's Artwork Timeline page.

Test your eye

There is only one correct answer for each question.

Question 1:
In which city was Ernest Špitz born?
Question 2:
Which art academy did Špitz attend in Prague?
Question 3:
Which of these works was created between 1959 and 1960?
Question 4:
What was the name of the gallery Špitz initiated in 1958?
Question 5:
Which artist's work did Špitz's early work draw inspiration from?