Kinderbildnis (Bildnis meiner Tochter)

August Wilhelm Dressler is one of the lesser-known artists of the Weimar period. Pursuing a clear painting style, characterized by strict contours and a sculptural formal language, his art takes a candid look at reality, addressing both social and political themes. In contrast to the New Objectivist works of Otto Dix (1891–1969), however, Dressler depicted the everyday life of the petty bourgeoisie, as opposed to engaging in a social critique of German society. This is exemplified by his portraits of his daughter, Charlotte, whom he painted numerous times during her childhood.

The work »My Daughter with Dog« reflects the loving gaze of the father and private person. In close-up and in bold colors, he captures the childlike, open character and natural authenticity of his daughter, who is being guarded by the dog at her side. Dressler lived and worked in Berlin, where he belonged, among other things, to the artists’ association Berlin Secession. In 1925 he was featured in the exhibition »New Objectivity« organized by the Kunsthalle Mannheim.