Ludwig Blum was Czech born Jewish Israeli painter, who became famous primarily for landscpaes. The artist developed a unique naturalistic manner, that virtuously captured the effects of light. Urban views appeared in his art after portraits, that he mostly painted during his academic studies in Vienna. Blum did not support the common passion for modern art and was against ideals of the abstract art. He said: “the human body and nature are the twin peaks of aesthetic feeling, and I regard the deformation of either as an artistic crime.” In particular, the artist wanted to show the beauty of the world, which was endlessly gorgeous and incomprehensible. He tried to transmit what he saw, without innovations and desire to originality.
Emigration to Jerusalem
Since youth, Ludwig Blum advocated Zionist views. However, during his time in Prague, in 1919-1920, he became deeply absorbed in Jewish and Zionist writings. So, he started planning his way to Palestine. Although in Jerusalem he befriended many artists and became a member of the Artists Association, he was still thinking about exhibitions in Europe. Shortly after the Third Annual Exhibition held in April-May 1924 at the Tower of David in Jerusalem, Ludwig Blum organized in his house in Brno a large one-man show. The success was great, none of the paintings was shipped home. Future life of the artist was between Czechoslovakia and Jerusalem.
Israeli landscapes
Panoramic urban views were the speciality of the artist. The country amazed him, he dreamed about its past and bright future. Kings gallery has two remarkable artworks by Ludwig Blum. “Jerusalem view” fascinates with its lightness and clarity. Moreover, the bright green and the blue colours make it a bit magical. A long perspective comes down to the sky, golden Holy City under heaven.
“Tel Aviv landscape” also impresses with its paints. Countless buildings stretch to the horizon. Gentle colours of buildings resonate in the shades of sky and sea.
Kings Gallery is a leading fine art gallery established in Jerusalem in 1995. We strive to collect and sell the highest quality historic and contemporary Israeli and International art. The gallery specializes primarily in artists from the early period of the 1920’s. Besides, Kings Gallery features leading up-and-coming young artists who will definitely be prominent names in the next few years.
