Artwork
Vorbereitung. Einzelfigur
Vorbereitung. Einzelfigur is an oil painting by the Bauhaus artist Otto Meyer-Amden. It dates from 1929 and is held in the collection of the Kunsthaus Zürich. Created in 1929, Vorbereitung.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1929, Vorbereitung. Einzelfigur is an oil painting by Swiss artist Otto Meyer, later known as Meyer‑Amden. The work is part of the Kunsthaus Zürich’s collection and exemplifies the artist’s dialogue with the Bauhaus aesthetic while retaining his own visual language.
Subject & Meaning
The canvas presents a solitary figure seated with crossed legs, clutching an open book. Dressed in a blue shirt, the individual’s facial features are softened, conveying a neutral, introspective mood. The subdued expression and quiet posture suggest a moment of study or contemplation.
Technique & Style
Meyer‑Amden employs a restrained palette of blues and reds, allowing the background’s abstract shapes to frame the central figure without overwhelming it. The oil medium yields smooth transitions and a slightly blurred visage, reinforcing the work’s calm atmosphere while echoing Bauhaus principles of clarity and geometric simplification.
History & Provenance
Born in Bern in 1885, Otto Meyer adopted the name Meyer‑Amden later in his career. After completing this painting, he continued to explore similar themes until his death in Zürich in 1933. The piece entered the Kunsthaus Zürich’s holdings, where it remains accessible to the public.
Artist & collection
Artist
Otto Meyer-Amden (Born Otto Meyer, February 20, 1885, Bern - January 15, 1933, Zürich) was a Swiss painter and graphic artist. Otto Meyer-Amden don't used to refer to himself with Amden, he signed his letters as Otto Meyer.
