Life and Artistic Journey
Moritz Coschell, born in Vienna, was an Austrian painter and illustrator of Jewish ancestry. He began his formal artistic training at the Vienna School of Arts and Crafts under the sculptor Anton Brenek, later attending the Academy of Fine Arts where he studied with Franz Rumpler and August Eisenmenger. His education also included time at the Städelschule in Frankfurt under Albert Windisch. After 1899, he established himself in Berlin, where he became a popular portrait painter for the upper classes. His work was frequently exhibited at the Große Berliner Kunstausstellung, with his first major showing occurring in 1900 and regular exhibitions continuing until 1926.
Beyond his reputation as a painter, Coschell was a prolific illustrator. He provided drawings for publications such as Le Figaro and the Berliner Illustrirte Zeitung. Among his most recognized book illustrations were those created for Arthur Schnitzler's novella, Leutnant Gustl.
Later Years and Legacy
During World War I, Coschell served as a Hauptmann in the Austrian Army. In 1921, he married Lucy Agnes Emma Wiskott. Following the rise of the Nazi regime, his professional license was withdrawn in 1933 due to his Jewish origins, and his works were declared to be "degenerate." Despite efforts to emigrate to the United States, he remained in Europe. He eventually died in a provisional Jewish hospital in Vienna. His son, Joachim, died in France while serving in a labor battalion.
His artistic legacy is preserved in several institutions, including:
Questions & Answers
Where can I see Moritz Coschell's artworks arranged by atmosphere?
The artist's Mood Room page shows Moritz Coschell's artworks arranged by their atmosphere.
Where are Moritz Coschell's artworks grouped by palette?
Moritz Coschell's works can be browsed by color palette on the artist's By Palettes page.
Where can I see all artworks by Moritz Coschell?
Every work by Moritz Coschell on this website can be browsed from the artist's All Artworks page.
In which movements did Moritz Coschell work?
Moritz Coschell's works can be browsed by movement on the artist's All Movements page.
