Karl Hartung (*2 May 1908 in Hamburg, † 19 July 1967 in Berlin) is one of the most important representatives of abstract sculpture in 20th century Germany. From 1955 to 1967 Karl Hartung was chairman of the Deutscher Künstlerbund.
Read MoreIn 1923, the son of a carpenter began his training as a wood sculptor in the workshops of Carl Briese. He continued his studies from 1925 at the State Schools for Applied Arts in Hamburg under the sculptor Johann Michael Bossard. In 1929, the artist received a scholarship from the Lichtwerk Foundation, after which he moved to Paris. There he intensively studied anthroposophy (literally "wisdom of man", founded by Rudolf Steiner). In 1932 Hartung moved into a studio in Florence with the painter Ilse Quast. There he worked under the influence of Michelangelo and Donatello.
Over the years, Hartung developed his very own formal language. Beginning figuratively, his work moved towards abstraction and ultimately pursued a middle course of the two directions. His work is not only reflected in his works, but also in his manifold teaching activities. He is one of the most important pioneers of modern art in post-war Germany.
