Willy Eisenschitz

Willy Eisenschitz Synopsis

Willy Eisenschitz was a leading painter of mid-twentieth century Europe. Born in Vienna, Eisenschitz trained in Paris, where he met and married fellow student Claire Bertrand in 1914. Together they formed a creative partnership that survived internment in 1917, Eisenschitz's long struggle with tuberculosis and tragedy and adversity in 1940s France. Around these trials, they fostered an artistic sanctuary in their home near Toulon for leading creative spirits of the day. A trip to Provence was the catalyst for the painter's development into an outstanding colourist, who painted landscapes, interiors, portraits and still lifes. Bernard Denvir's sensitive memoir traces Eisenschitz's development as a painter: By instinct a Fauve, using colour to orchestrate feeling and emotion...by self-discipline a follower of Cezanne, Eisenschitz succeeded in reconciling these...in a way which still captures the heart and mind. This timely book coincides with the recent reevaluation of Eisenschitz, the brilliant colourist.