JANKEL ADLER

"finding refuge in Britain in 1941, the forty-six-year-old Jankel Adler embarked afresh on a richly distinctive journey as an artist. The powerful, often stark monumentality characterising his earlier continental period gave way to vibrant new works of most subtle intricacy and compassionate poignancy. All that he had learned and absorbed from the great Modernists he had known in the 1920s and ‘30s – notably Klee, [Max] Ernst and Picasso – was now assimilated and integrated with apparently spontaneous ease into radically original, humane pictures."

- Philip Vann

Early Life

Jankel Adler was born in 1895 in Łódź, Poland, into a Jewish family. He trained as an engraver before studying painting in Germany. In the 1920s, he settled in Düsseldorf, where he became associated with the progressive artistic circles of the time. Adler’s early work was influenced by his Jewish heritage, incorporating elements of folklore and symbolism.

An abstract painting featuring a figure with a large white face, two dark eyes, and a tongue sticking out, surrounded by geometric shapes and lines in shades of blue, brown, and beige.
A black and white photo of a man sitting in a room with a large fish tank on a dresser behind him. The man has a serious expression, wearing a dark long-sleeve shirt, and is seated with his hands clasped.

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Influences

Adler was profoundly influenced by the avant-garde movements of the early 20th century, particularly Cubism and Expressionism. His exposure to Paul Klee and Pablo Picasso played a crucial role in shaping his abstract yet emotive style. Adler also drew inspiration from his Eastern European roots, blending traditional motifs with modernist experimentation.

Artistic Style and Defining Characteristics

Adler’s work is characterised by its textured surfaces, bold color contrasts, and abstracted forms. He often depicted figures, still lifes, and biblical themes, using a distinctive layering technique to create depth and movement. His style evolved throughout his career, transitioning from Cubist-inspired compositions to a more fluid and expressive approach, incorporating symbols and surreal elements

Black and white photo of a man with dark hair and a serious expression, wearing a collared shirt, standing in front of a brick wall with a mural of a man playing guitar.
An abstract painting featuring geometric shapes and vivid colors on a dark background, including purple, red, yellow, and orange elements.
An abstract painting of a woman holding a baby, rendered in earthy tones with bold black outlines, emphasizing emotional intimacy.

Mediums

Adler was a versatile artist, working in a variety of mediums, including oil on canvas, watercolours, engravings, and mixed media. His experimental techniques included sand mixed with paint to enhance texture, a method that added a tactile quality to his work.

Market Value

Jankel Adler’s works are highly sought after in the art market, particularly among collectors of European modernism and Jewish artists of the 20th century. His paintings, drawings, and prints frequently appear in major auction houses, with prices varying based on rarity, condition, and provenance. Larger oil paintings can command significant sums, while works on paper and prints remain more accessible to collectors.

Abstract painting of a woman with a hat and a child at a table, with a bird on the table and cage, using bold black outlines and earthy tones.

Exhibitions and Legacy

Adler exhibited widely during his lifetime, with notable shows in Germany, France, and the United Kingdom. His work was included in major avant-garde exhibitions, and he became a recognized figure in modern European art. After fleeing Nazi persecution in the 1930s, he settled in Britain, where he continued to paint and exhibit.

Today, Adler’s work is held in prestigious collections, including the Tate Gallery in London, the Museum of Modern Art in New York, and various European museums. His legacy endures as a key figure in 20th-century modernism, remembered for his bold fusion of tradition and innovation, as well as his resilience in the face of adversity.

Black and white photo of a man with combed-back hair, wearing a collared shirt, in front of a brick wall with a mural or painting of two people playing guitars.
Abstract artwork featuring distorted shapes, a small orange circle, and overlapping lines in shades of green and blue.
An abstract painting depicting a woman in a striped dress with a large hat, a child sitting at a table with a bowl, and a bird in a cage, using bold lines and earthy colors.
Abstract painting with black, gray, orange, yellow, and cream colors, featuring geometric and dynamic lines and shapes.
A painted portrait of a man with black, wavy hair, wearing a beige shirt. His arms are crossed, and he has an intense expression. The background features pink and beige patterns with handwritten text in the top right corner.
Abstract painting with geometric shapes and bold colors, including purple, orange, yellow, black, and white, on a textured surface.
Abstract painting of a person sitting at a table with a red background, using bold brushstrokes and pastel colors.
Black and white photo of a man sitting in a room with a boy standing in the background. The man has short hair and wears a dark sweater, with his hands clasped. The room has a glass fishbowl on a table and a lamp nearby.
An abstract painting of a woman holding a baby, with bold black outlines and earthy tones.
Abstract painting of a person with a large, mask-like face, seated at a table with a laptop and a coffee mug, in earthy tones and loose brushstrokes.
An abstract artwork featuring a desk with a lamp and a person reading a book, painted with broad black lines and muted earthy tones.
A colorful abstract painting featuring a woman with dark curly hair, sitting at a table with a sleeping cat and various abstract objects in the background.
A painting of an elderly woman with a cane and a young girl giving a high five. The woman is sitting at a table with stacks of books, and the girl is standing next to her with pigtails.