Willi dePré (1922-1995) Portrait of Gipsy Girl German Listed Artist Gilt Framed

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Willi dePré (1922-1995) Portrait of Gipsy Girl German Listed Artist Gilt Framed:
$499.00

German Listed ArtistWilli dePré (1922-1995)\"Portrait of Gipsy Girl\"
Oil on canvas
Painting : 24\"x20\"
Gilt wooden framed
Very good conditionMinor wear on vintage frame
Willi DEPRÉ
Willi Depres, Düsseldorf genre painter born in 1922- died in December 1995.
Willi de Pré was born in 1922 as the son of German-French parents. During those times people were still recovering from World War 1. Despite hardships, Willy showed great optimism. He was inspired by the great masters in the in the Dusseldorf area, where the greatest artists competed against each other.
The Dusseldorf Art Academy became world famous. At a young age he was a very social person who had been in contact with these artists. Nevertheless, he had a very special view of painting. Impressionism, which was seen by all as the Ne Plus Ultra,touched him only conditionally.
Deeply religious and historical themes interested him. He painted for the Cathedral of St. Swidbert in Dusseldorf Kaiserswerth a well known painting named \"Comforter of the poor and needy\" and \"Outlawry of war.\" His life\'s most famous works can be seen in the exhibition.
By the 2nd World War Willi de Pré, not like many other well known artists, remained down to earth in Dusseldorf, Kaiserswerth. That was his home and here he settled with his wife Elli. Like many artists, he also had his muse, his wife Elli, who inspired and advised him. She left him free to concentrate on his artistic and creative activity . However, they also had to sacrifice some after the war, because canvasses and art supplies were rare and hard to come by.
Willi de Pré was actually a historical painter, as can also be seen in his exhibits.However, there was a huge demand for his well executed portraits. This was the way he earned his money immediately after the war.A well-known gallery in Düsseldorf was aware of him, and exclusively sold his paintings under contract. During this time (post WWII), it was then that his talent was finally recognized and orders for his paintings started pouring into the gallery.
De Pré thanked the gallery by painting his heart out. It was here that Willi de Pré discovered a design that would sell well. Here, his wine-loving monks and chrysanthemums emerged. Since De Pré was often working deep into the night (in artificial light), many of the paintings had a slight green tint.
Then he started painting his gypsy girls. These motifs were a sensation! His gypsies had an inscrutable smile of the Mona Lisa, and impressed both men and women alike. They made him famous and many of his counterparts tried copying his style of paintings.
He could not paint fast enough to meet the demand. His gallery sold paintings before the paint could even dry! Despite the demand for the same exact paintings, he kept to his principles and never copied any of his paintings. All of them have their own one of a kind charm.
Eventually the pressure was too big and his wife Elli ended the exclusive contract with the gallery. After that, Willi de Pré could once again focus on other topics. He had finally become well known and developed a certain independence. His love was history, especially with Düsseldorf\'s Old Town.
De Pré was also a contemporary of the Impressionists, as you can see by his painting style. However, he swam against the tide of time and had the courage and the strength to stand up for his ideals. Again and again, he forced the viewer to see into his soul the inner peace that his talent gave.
He was hailed as the founder of the \"Essential Style\". He received many awards:
• 1983 Honorary Diploma for Art in Italy
• 1987, Dr dignity of the Faculty of Humanities University of Florida
• In 1989 gold medal European Institute of Art and Culture
• In 1989 Professor of the Humanities Faculty, University of Denver
In December 1995, Willi de Pré died in his native Dusseldorf-Kaiserswerth, but through his paintings he will always remain present.