What was the reason Elsner was banned from his profession by the Nazi regime between 1938 and 1945?

He lived in a 'mixed marriage' because his wife was of Jewish origin

Franz Elsner

The Artistic Journey of Franz Elsner

Born in Vienna, Austria, Franz Elsner began his professional training as a lithographer before transitioning into the world of fine arts. His early development was deeply shaped by his apprenticeship under Robin Christian Andersen, a connection that led him to study at the Academy of Fine Arts Vienna. During the 1920s, Elsner became an active member of the artist association Sonderbund and participated in exhibitions at the Wiener Künstlerhaus. His early career included significant collaborations, such as working with Anton Faistauer on the decoration of the parish church in Morzg and assisting Andersen with painted tapestries for the Salzburg Festival House.

Elsner's work is characterized by a focus on three primary genres: still life, landscape, and portraiture. His style is noted for its dynamic brushwork, the use of graphic contour lines, and a heightened sense of light and shadow. In his still lifes, he often employed a simplification of objects set against atmospheric backgrounds, while his landscapes sought to capture fleeting moments of light. His dedication to these themes provided his body of work with a distinct homogeneity and a recognizable aesthetic throughout his career.

Later Years and Legacy

Following the Second World War, Elsner's role in the Viennese art scene expanded into education. In 1946, he took over a masterclass for painting at the Academy in Vienna, eventually being named a titular professor. His influence extended to several notable students, including Viktor Lederer, Peter Dotrel, and Diana Chesham. Throughout his life, he received various honors, such as the Julius-Reich-Preis and the Austrian State Prize, and was eventually awarded the Austrian Honor Cross for Science and Art.