ART AFICIONADO: Lesser Ury

Thursday, November 7, 2024

Lesser Ury

Art Appreciation

German-Jewish Impressionist painter and printmaker Leo Lesser Ury was born on November 7, 1861, in Birnbaum, Prussia (now Międzychód, Poland).

Raised in humble beginnings, he faced hardship early on when his father passed away, prompting the family to relocate to Berlin. His artistic talent emerged while studying at the Düsseldorf school of painting and later in Brussels, where he honed his skills as a painter and printmaker.

Ury's early career was marked by travel across Europe to cities like Paris and Munich, where he absorbed the techniques of German Impressionism and developed his distinct style. Despite the challenges he faced, he was driven by a deep passion for portraying everyday life with striking realism and moody atmospheres.

When Ury returned to Berlin in 1889 for his first exhibition, he faced a hostile reception. The Berlin art scene, dominated by the likes of Max Liebermann -- whom he had a running feud with -- and the Berlin Secession group, was critical of Ury’s work, which deviated from mainstream Impressionist trends with its somber tones and introspective scenes. His use of light and shadow created a dreamlike quality, evoking mystery and solitude that clashed with the more vibrant and social subjects favored at the time. The critiques were partly rooted in Ury's unconventional style but also stemmed from personal and professional tensions within the art community. His isolation in the art world drove him to focus even more intently on his personal vision, ultimately shaping his unique place in German Impressionism. Interestingly, he was known to paint Biblical scenes; however, many didn't survive.

Among Ury’s well-known works, Rainy Night in Berlin and Unter den Linden stand out. Rainy Night in Berlin captures the bustling city streets under a rain-drenched night sky, with reflections shimmering across the pavement, a testament to his skill in depicting atmospheric light. Unter den Linden focuses on one of Berlin's most famous boulevards, capturing the energy of urban life while showcasing his delicate brushwork and fascination with light and shadow.

These works reveal Ury's ability to capture fleeting moments with a poignant sense of place, cementing his legacy as a distinctive voice in German Impressionism.