Karl Schenker was one of the most famous society portraitists in the 1910s and 20s. Actresses, dancers and celebrated ladies of society all came to have their portraits done in his studio on Kurfürstendamm in Berlin, between times in New York and later in London.

No one made their subjects look better, and there was no greater master of retouching. He wrapped actresses, dancers, and society ladies in tulle and furs before taking their picture. Sometimes he even painted the fur into the picture afterwards.

He made use of every means of retouching, but surely also the rising cosmetic industry and in some cases presumably the equally young cosmetic surgery. Especially women became formable material, and Schenker had one goal above all – beauty.

As a photographer, illustrator, painter, and for a time even a sculptor, Schenker dedicated himself to fashion photography and creating beautiful portraits of women.

Pubilshed on the occasion of the exhibition, Master of Beauty: Karl Schenker’s Glamorous Images at Museum Ludwig, Köln, 10 September 2016 – 8 January 2017.

English and German text.