Karl Schenk – A Gentle Expressionism
Karl Schenk (1905–1973) was a Swiss painter and sculptor renowned for his evocative depictions of rural life and childhood. Born in Bern, he initially trained as a stonemason under his father’s guidance but soon pursued his passion for art, studying sculpture with Karl Hänny and drawing with Gottfried Strasser. A scholarship enabled him to study in Paris in 1933–34, where he interacted with artists like Édouard-Marcel Sandoz and Arnold Huggler. Upon returning to Bern, Schenk established himself as a freelance artist, creating numerous public sculptures and murals across Switzerland. In his later years, he focused primarily on painting, capturing scenes of children and animals in everyday settings.
Schenk’s artistic style is characterized by a blend of realism and gentle expressionism. His paintings often portray intimate moments of rural and domestic life, such as children at play or animals in pastoral landscapes. Notable works include “Zwei Mädchen mit einer Puppe im Garten” (Two Girls with a Doll in the Garden) and “Stute mit Fohlen in der Koppel” (Mare with Foal in the Paddock). His sculptures, like the mosaic “Trinkender Faun” (Drinking Faun) for Bern’s waterworks and various bronze busts of Swiss political figures, showcase his versatility and contribution to public art.
Today, Schenk’s legacy is preserved through exhibitions and collections, with a dedicated museum in Fraubrunnen showcasing his works.
