City History Museum in Old Town Hall reveals art donations by Leipzig artist Gert Pötzschig
Artist Gert Poetzschig's Early Works on Display at Leipzig City History Museum
Gert Poetzschig, a prominent figure in Leipzig's art scene, is known for his early works that offer a unique glimpse into the city's history and culture. These works, including notable pastels from the Kleinmesse series and zinc lithographs depicting the Gerberstraßenviertel area, are now part of the collection at the Leipzig City History Museum (Stadtgeschichtliches Museum Leipzig).
Kleinmesse Pastels: Capturing the Spirit of a Local Fair
Poetzschig's Kleinmesse pastels, created shortly after his studies, capture scenes from the Kleinmesse, a traditional local fair in Leipzig. His approach is characterized by intimate, vibrant uses of pastel, emphasizing the lively atmosphere of the fair. These works showcase his early exploration of color and texture, using soft yet dynamic strokes that blend impressionistic qualities with local realism. They reflect the cultural and social fabric of Leipzig in the era Poetzschig worked, documenting popular events with warmth and immediacy.
Gerberstraßenviertel Zinc Lithographs: A Historical Record
The zinc lithographs, dating back to Poetzschig's apprenticeship as a graphic designer in 1948, focus on the Gerberstraßenviertel district, an area in Leipzig known for its working-class history and urban fabric before redevelopment. These works serve as an important historical record of the Gerberstraßenviertel as it existed before major changes, highlighting Poetzschig's interest in urban landscapes and social environment. Zinc lithography allowed him to reproduce fine detail and contrasts, creating gritty, textured urban scenes that capture the architectural and human elements of the district.
A Valuable Addition to the Museum's Collection
The Leipzig City History Museum holds these works as part of its efforts to preserve and showcase art that documents Leipzig’s local history, culture, and changing cityscape through the lens of artists like Poetzschig. These early pieces are appreciated not only for their artistic merit but also for their role in chronicling everyday life and urban transformation in Leipzig.
The donated pieces by Poetzschig, which include both pastels and zinc lithographs, are currently on display in the 2nd floor of the Old Town Hall Leipzig. Visitors can enjoy these works for free, as the display is open Tuesday through Sunday, from 10 am to 6 pm.
Over his career, Poetzschig has been productive for many decades, creating a large body of work. Today, the Leipzig City History Museum's collection holds around 50 of his works, offering a comprehensive view of his artistic journey and his special connection to the city of Leipzig. In 2008, a comprehensive retrospective on Poetzschig was presented by the museum on his 75th birthday.
Poetzschig studied at the HGB Leipzig from 1950 to 1955, under the guidance of teachers like Elisabeth Voigt and Heinz Wagner. After his studies, he became a freelance artist, continuing to focus on cityscapes and urban landscapes. His works offer a unique and valuable perspective on Leipzig's history and development, making them a valuable addition to the Leipzig City History Museum's collection.
These early works by Gert Poetzschig, now part of the Leipzig City History Museum, offer insights into his lifestyle, as they showcase his interests in capturing the spirit of local fairs (Kleinmesse) and urban landscapes, such as the Gerberstraßenviertel district. His home-and-garden, so to speak, were the streets of Leipzig during a time of urban transformation, a subject that is beautifully reflected in the museum's collection.
