Georg Baselitz is a renowned German painter known for his expressive, often provocative works that challenge traditional artistic norms. His style is marked by a unique blend of abstraction and figuration, often with a distinctive twist such as painting subjects upside-down to disrupt conventional perception. Here are ten notable paintings by Baselitz, each with its own concept:

Adrian Lamberth
2 min readJul 1, 2024

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1. **”The Great Friends” (1965)**
— **Concept:** This painting features two figures that are both powerful and monstrous. The concept revolves around human relationships and the complexities of camaraderie, depicted through grotesque forms and vivid colors.

2. **”Big Night Down the Drain” (1963)**
— **Concept:** This work showcases a figure in a state of disarray, reflecting the turmoil and existential angst of post-war Germany. It symbolizes the struggles of identity and the aftermath of societal upheaval.

3. **”The Bridge Ghost’s Supper” (1983)**
— **Concept:** An exploration of German history and mythology, this painting delves into the spiritual and cultural heritage of the artist’s homeland. The ghostly figures suggest a haunting connection to the past.

4. **”Woman with Fan” (1994)**
— **Concept:** In this piece, Baselitz portrays a female figure in a distorted, fragmented manner. The concept highlights themes of femininity, beauty, and the deconstruction of the human form.

5. **”Adieu” (1982)**
— **Concept:** This upside-down painting of a headless figure speaks to the idea of farewell and separation. The inversion serves to destabilize the viewer’s perspective, making the emotional content more intense.

6. **”Fingermalerei — Akt Elke” (1972)**
— **Concept:** Baselitz uses finger painting to create an intimate portrait of his wife, Elke. The tactile method and close subject matter emphasize personal connection and the raw, primal nature of creation.

7. **”Portrait of Elke I” (1975)**
— **Concept:** A more traditional portrait, yet still upside-down, it explores the notion of identity and perception, questioning how we recognize and relate to the people closest to us.

8. **”Orange Eater” (1981)**
— **Concept:** This piece depicts a figure consuming an orange in a surreal manner. The concept revolves around consumption, desire, and the absurdity of mundane actions.

9. **”The Eagle” (1972)**
— **Concept:** A bold, abstract representation of an eagle, this painting explores themes of power, freedom, and the natural world. The inversion of the image adds a layer of ambiguity and challenge to traditional symbolism.

10. **”Street Picture” (1965)**
— **Concept:** This chaotic street scene captures the essence of urban life and societal flux. The fragmented, jarring composition reflects the disorientation and dynamic nature of city living.

To find images of these paintings, you can search for them online or visit art museum websites and digital archives that feature Georg Baselitz’s work.

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