Rudolf SCHWEITZER-CUMPANA,
Born in 1886 is a German Switzerland painter, he will develop his art in Romania, his models who close to the miserability of this period will be his favorite subjects.
The constant presence of his subjects will accredit Schweitzer as a painter of the village, of the farmers, and even putting in the shade the other themes.
After studying at the Berlin Academy of Art, Rudolf Schweitzer returned to Romania in 1904 and 1908; he had learned the profession of painter, succeeded in conquering his colleagues, and gained the trust of his teachers.
The Academy, museums (he particularly admires Rembrandt and Hals) and the innovative movement of the time (H. Von Mareces, Leibl, Leibermann) will contribute to the development of young painter.
Rudolf Schweitzer-Cumpana will exhibit in his hometown, before having the courage to present his works in Bucharest. His debut, in 1911, will be noticed, as well as his presences in 1912, 1913 at the Official Salons. The war of 1914-1918 will disturb his habits, without making him give up his brushes, the exhibition of 1920, organized at the Romanian Athenaeum will consecrate this young person, until then unknown.
A trip of a few months in Greece and then in Turkey will make him discover a fascinating world, a powerful light and vibrant colors.
For the painter who risked limiting himself to a certain theme, this contact was annoying, after two years, then in Paris for a short stay, he will discover the softer and quieter charm of the French capital, the atmosphere laden by the steam of the Seine seen through the rays the sun, monuments and streets full of history.
After the brutal sunrise in the East, the painter discovered the discreet elegance of the sunset in the West of the continent.
Master of his art, Rudolf Schweitzer-Cumpana will exhibit in Paris, at the Universal Salon and a personal exhibition, in 1931 prefaced by Héléne Vacaresco which will be a real success.
From 1932, its existence will be peacefully, marked by annual exhibitions, by participation in Salons, by its success with critics and by the admiration of the public.
Queen Marie visited his studio, King Carol II ordered decorative panels for the new royal palace, collectors remain loyal to her and museums buy her a large number of works.
The war years broke the rhythm of Rudolf Schweitzer-Cumpana's exhibitions until 1947, when he presented an exhibition of around 200 works.
A short trip on the Adriatic Coast, his appointment as a professor at the Department of Fine Arts and especially the exhibitions will mark the existence of the painter.
In 1975, at the age of 89, his existence will become history.
By his personality, by his tireless passion for painting, by his love for the Romanian village, Schweitzer-Cumpana has secured an important place in Romanian art of the twentieth century.
A synthesis of German rigor, oriental exuberance and Parisian poetry, the work of Schweitzer-Cumpana confirms a very particular writing in art.
The richness of the dough, the skilful play of light, his safety in drawing and the obvious love he shows when he sits down in front of his easel have crystallized an authoritarian and endearing personality.
Our goal was to highlight the lesser known aspects of this painter's work, themes frequently overshadowed by his passion for rural life, love of the years of his youth spent in Cumpana.
This long life as a painter will allow the Master to produce more than 30,000 works.
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