Life and Artistic Development
Karl Erich Schaefer was a German painter, printmaker, and graphic artist born in Dresden, Germany. After completing an apprenticeship as a decorative painter between 1921 and 1923, he pursued formal studies at the Dresden Academy of Fine Arts from 1924 to 1930. During his time at the Academy, he studied under Ferdinand Dorsch and Richard Dreher, eventually becoming a master student. His academic excellence was recognized when the Academy awarded him a scholarship in 1927. Following his studies, he worked as a freelance painter and graphic artist in Dresden, including a period of study in Paris from 1930 to 1931.
Schaefer's career spanned significant historical shifts, including participation in various exhibitions such as the Great German Art Exhibition in Munich. Following his service as a soldier in the Wehrmacht and subsequent captivity, he returned to work in Dresden. He was a co-founder of the artist group Das Ufer – Gruppe Dresdner Künstler 1947 and was involved in creating murals for the Second German Art Exhibition. Later, he served as a lecturer at the Dresden Academy of Fine Arts from 1961 to 1970.
Artistic Subjects and Works
The works of Karl Erich Schaefer primarily focused on landscapes, flowers, animals, and still lifes. His diverse range of subjects is reflected in various media, including oil paintings, chalk drawings, and sgraffito murals. Notable works from his repertoire include:
His portfolio is represented in several collections, including the Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden, the Sächsischer Kunstfonds, and the Städtische Galerie Dresden.
