Ferdinand Staeger
Knospen und Dornen

Ferdinand Staeger (1880 Trebitsch, Österreich-Ungarn -1976 Waldkraiberg)'s richly detailed graphic work and illustrations made him one of the most sought-after printmaker and book illustrator of the first half of the 20th century in Germany. He tackles all images, from fairy tales to symobolism, to social realism.

This is the most comprehensive exhibition in recent decades devoted to this artist. 

Staeger worked in Vienna and Prague before settling in Munich in 1908 and lived in Bavaria for the rest of his life. In Munich he began his prolific period from which our etchings date. Staeger's diverse body of includes illustrations of popular contemporaneous novels.

Our array captivating scenes by Staeger ranges from grand illustrations of operas by Wagner and Mozart, to untamed Bavarian countryside scenes. Staeger depicts romantic couples strolling through lush German woods and enchanting mythological motifs with imaginative depth. His rich style of etching accomplishes so much texture and detail in his figures and scenes, he immediately captures the attention and empathy of the viewer.

It is said that during her 1965 visit to Germany, Queen Elizabeth II visited Staeger's studio in Waldkraiburg.