Franz Marc - Artist Biography

Franz Marc was born in Munich in 1880, and he originally wanted to become a priest. By the age of 20, however, he had abandoned this idea and embraced painting classes at the Munich Academy of Fine Arts. At the same time, Impressionism was starting to re-shape the art world, and Paris was the center of the revolution. Marc traveled to Paris several times between 1900 and 1912, where his creative identity was significantly shaped by the modern French painters.

Franz Marc studied the work of Monet, Van Gogh, and Gauguin extensively as part of his training, a fact which is evident in his technique. He was also close friends with Wassily Kandinsky and August Macke, and their styles all developed together. You'll see distinct themes and compositional elements among Marc's works, however, which make them unmistakably his.

The most dramatic signature element is the presence of animals. Nearly all of Marc's works feature them, as he saw animals as beings in perfect harmony with nature, and sought that harmony himself. There is a warm and innocent quality to many of his works, a gentleness that only heightens the tragedy of his death in 1916. He was killed in combat in World War I, after losing his dear friend Macke in the same war.

In pieces like Two Horses, Red Woman and Little Yellow Horses 1912, you can see Marc's incredible use of color and enjoy a return to childlike feelings of peace and happiness. Poster Checkout carries many of Marc's works in a variety of sizes and styles. Best of all, we offer everything at low prices, so you can always find the art you want at excellent prices.