otto freundlich was a german painter and sculptor of jewish origin. he was born on july 10, 1878, in stolp, germany (now poland) and died on march 9, 1943, in the majdanek concentration camp in german-occupied poland. freundlich was a part of the first generation of abstract painters in western art and was a great admirer of cubism. he was murdered during the holocaust. freundlich's work was condemned by the nazis as degenerate and removed from public display. some works were seized and displayed at the infamous nazi exhibition of degenerate art, including his monumental sculpture 'der neue mensch' which was used as the cover illustration of the exhibition catalogue. freundlich was also known as otto frenkiel.
