The Artbook of 1920s German Art & Costume Design: Walter Schnackenberg & Oskar Bie

Walter Schnackenberg, a prominent figure in 20th-century German art, was an accomplished painter, illustrator, and costume and stage designer. Born in 1880, Schnackenberg honed his skills under the tutelage of Heinrich Knirr and Franz von Stuck in Munich. His artistic prowess garnered recognition for his paintings and caricatures, which found their way into art magazines and satirical publications. Influenced by the theater and inspired by the works of post-impressionist painter Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Schnackenberg's creations exude a peculiar and whimsical atmosphere. His avant-garde costume designs, even by today's standards, remain highly distinctive and timeless, defying the passage of a century.

Distinctive Costume Designs and Poster Compositions

Schnackenberg's designs push the boundaries of traditional costume design, showcasing his avant-garde vision. In his works, one can witness the influence of theater, resulting in captivating and unique creations. Notably, his theater posters captured the transitional period between traditional art and commercial advertising. Limited by the printing and reproduction techniques of the time, these posters employed contrasting colors to establish spatial depth and utilized visual distortions to create narrative tension.

Preserving Schnackenberg's Legacy: Smithsonian Libraries and Eaglepack

This artbook, sourced from The Smithsonian Libraries, is served as a vital resource for research and curatorial staff across the Smithsonian Institution, offering insights into the cultural and historical contexts of numerous objects. With a network of 21 specialized research libraries, the Smithsonian Libraries cater to diverse fields, spanning aerospace, anthropology, art history, business history, and more. Among these collections is the preserved works of Walter Schnackenberg, which are currently in the public domain, allowing for unrestricted commercial use without requiring authorization. However, it is recommended to attribute the creator's name when utilizing his works. Interested individuals can access the Smithsonian Libraries' online resources to explore Schnackenberg's works, or download Eaglepack to collect all in an easier way.

Download Eaglepack and Explore Schnackenberg's Works

To delve into the world of Walter Schnackenberg's remarkable costume designs and illustrations, including the iconic poster artwork, download Eaglepack and immerse yourself in the captivating works of this visionary German artist. Discover the depth of Schnackenberg’s artistic legacy and unlock your potential!