Leo Putz was sixteen when he entered the Academy of Fine Arts, Munich. His father, who was convinced of his son’s extraordinary artistic gift, sent him to the Académie Julian in Paris. After military service, Leo Putz returned to Munich and opened his first studio in 1897, the same year he became a member of the Munich Secession.
Leo Putz’s art ranged from Art Nouveau, Impressionism and the beginnings of Expressionism. His subjects were figures, nudes and landscapes. He also worked as a commercial artist, creating Art Nouveau posters and billboards for the Moderne Galerie München.
In 1931, he traveled to Brazil, accepting a professorship at the Escola Nacional de Belas Artes. His art was influenced by the tropical plant life and vibrant colours he encountered when he traveled on mule back to remote areas in search of new insights for his artistic journey.
Back in Germany in 1933, he encountered a new reality. An opponent of National Socialism, his art was labeled as “degenerate.” In 1936, he was repeatedly interrogated by the Gestapo and was officially banned in 1937 from officially working in Germany. He fled to South Tyrol and focused on painting castles, villages and gentle landscapes.
Who is the Lady in Blue? That remains a mystery.
ChasingART 
Huh! Interesting history. This “degenerate” was a wonderful artist. This “Lady in Blue” is exquisite!
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I agree wholeheartedly, Resa. I often wonder how “degenerate” can be applied to his creative work. His blues are magnificent. (P.S. I thought of you when I saw this gown). Hugs!
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LOVE the gown!!! {{hugs}}
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A beautiful photo with the subject in blue. A teenager already a talented artist, encouraged by his father and on the year of my birth, he is off to Brazil. His many works of art ranged from beautiful scenes of trees and flowers to “unquestionable” works. and was even banned from Germany. He spent his life deep in middle of Art and Artists, making a significant contribution! A great story, thank you for sharing!
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I am delighted that you enjoyed this artwork with me. Isn’t it fun to turn over the days and find out what comes next. Starting the day out with art encourages me to set creativity in every aspect of my daily routine.
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💕🌹🌿🌷🦋⚘💕
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Interesting story and fascinating portrait, Rebecca. I can see all those different styles in this one!
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I agree, Mary Jo. I think those marvelously vibrant blues come from his treks into the jungles of Brazil on the back of a mule. I was reminded of Mário de Morais Andrade’s journeys into the Brazilian jungles to familiarize himself with the dialects and cultures, stories. Art, poetry, words, language – so many gifts to humanity.
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Lovely. She reminds me of Sargent’s Madame X.
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Oh Cindy – that is a great thought. Yes, she has the same look of complete sophistication and confidence!!
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