Biography
Erwin Leopold Pohl was a Swiss painter known prominently for portraits, figures and still lifes. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, he spent the majority of his artistic life in Europe, where he developed a distinctive style shaped by academic training.
Having begun his studies in Vienna before the outbreak of the First World War, he was forced to leave Austria during the conflict and later continued his artistic development in Berlin. There he encountered the flourishing German Expressionist movement, whose emphasis on expressive colour, simplified forms and psychological presence left a lasting impression on his work.
Yet unlike many Expressionists, he remained measured in his approach. His paintings retain an academic understanding of drawing and composition while embracing a freer handling of paint - placing him somewhere between traditional realism and modern European expression.
Known For
- Portraits and figure paintings
- Female nudes
- Still lifes
- Expressive yet restrained brushwork
- Influences from German Expressionism
Student Of
Vienna Academy
Lived In
- Cleveland, Ohio
- Vienna, Austria
- Berlin, Germany
- Zurich, Switzerland
- Lucerne, Switzerland
Timeline
1896
Born on 25 October in Cleveland, Ohio, USA.
1902
Travelled to Europe with his family while still a young child, settling in Vienna, where he would spend his formative years.
1914
With the outbreak of the First World War, he was required to leave Austria and relocate to Zurich, Switzerland.
1915
Continued his artistic education in Vienna.
1917
Studied in Berlin. During this period he absorbed many of the ideas circulating within German Expressionism while developing his own individual approach.
1922
Returned to Berlin, where he established himself professionally.
1928
Chose to leave Berlin and return permanently to Switzerland.
1928-1930
Lived in Zurich before settling in Lucerne, the city that would become his adopted home for the remainder of his life.
1930s-1970s
Produced portraits, still lifes, and figure paintings characterised by expressive brushwork and an emphasis on psychological presence. His work established a respected reputation within Swiss artistic circles.
1966
On the occasion of his 70th birthday, fellow Swiss painter Max von Moos paid tribute to his friend, recognising Pohl's contribution to Swiss art.
1977
Died in Lucerne on 14 July, aged 80.