Biography
Else Preußner was a German painter and illustrator predominantly known for portraiture, still lifes, and landscapes. She trained at the School of the Association of Berlin Women Artists in Berlin and belonged to a generation of German artists working during a period of profound artistic change.
Underpinning many of her works is a sense of narrative - she often suggested a story beyond the edge of a canvas. Alongside her career as a painter, Preußner illustrated numerous children's books during the years before the First World War. This, perhaps, shaped her wider artistic outlook.
It's fair to say that her work occupied a middle ground between observation and imagination. Contemporary critics admired her refined handling of form and colour, while later reviews noted the poetic simplicity of her still lifes and landscapes. One English reviewer remarked that her work was "rather reminiscent of Whistler."
She was a regular exhibitor at the Große Berliner Kunstausstellung and exhibitions organised by the Association of Berlin Women Artists.
Known For
Atmospheric still lifes, landscapes, portraits and townscapes.
Children's book illustration before the First World War.
Student Of
Preußner studied at the School of the Association of Berlin Women Artists in Berlin under:
- Hans Baluschek
- Martin Brandenburg
- Leo von König
- Max Uth
Lived In
Jordanhütte, Wollin (now Grodno, Poland), where she was born.
Berlin, where she studied, built her artistic career and remained throughout her adult life.
Berlin-Schöneberg, where she died in 1954.
Timeline
1876
Born Elisabeth Martha Konstantia Preußner on 20 April in Jordanhütte, near Misdroy on the island of Wollin.
Late 1890s / early 1900s
Studied at the School of the Association of Berlin Women Artists under Hans Baluschek, Martin Brandenburg, Leo von König and Max Uth. She was also related to fellow painter Maria Preußner, who served on the board of the Association.
1909
Exhibited Portrait of an Elderly Lady at the Große Berliner Kunstausstellung. German critics praised the painting as a valuable work possessing notable stylistic refinement, while the English journal The International Studio described her portraiture as "rather reminiscent of Whistler."
1912
Illustrated a substantial children's picture book comprising thirty-two pages of colour illustrations and accompanying text, demonstrating an established reputation as a commercial illustrator.
1913
Illustrated Das Puppenhaus, a children's picture book recounting the adventures of a family of dolls living in "Villa Bergheim." By this time, she was balancing careers as both painter and illustrator.
1929
Her still life Blueberries (Blaubeeren) attracted favourable critical attention. One reviewer praised its "folk-song-like simplicity" and observed similarities with the work of Georg Schrimpf, while noting that Schrimpf possessed greater emotional intensity.
1940
Participated in the exhibition Blumenbilder und Stilleben at the Moritzburg Museum in Halle.
1942
Exhibited at Die Frau als Künstlerin in Leipzig, where critics admired her "charming townscapes", highlighting their warmth and appeal.
1954
Died unmarried at her home in Berlin-Schöneberg on 2 September, aged seventy-eight.