The wax figures mannequins of Karl Schenker.

Karl Schenker, German, wax figures, mannequins,
Karl Schenker 1920s

The wax figures mannequins of Karl Schenker.

Karl Schenker 1890-1954, German photojournalist, artist and fashion photographer.

Karl Schenker worked for women’s magazines such as – UHU – (the famous magazine of the Weimar Republic) “The Lady” (The Berlin journal Die Dame appeared as “Illustrated fashion journal” (subtitles) in the years from 1911 until 1943.) and specialized in his studio in Budapester Strasse 6, in Berlin, on fashion photography, portraits of famous personalities of stage, film and dance.

After the “seizure of power” by the National Socialists, the Ullstein publishing house was “aryanized” and the magazine Uhu was closed down as early as 1933. It became increasingly difficult for Karl Schenker to make a living in Berlin.

Widowed in the meantime, he had to travel to London to marry Ruth Engel on December 10, 1936, as this was no longer possible for the Jewish artist in Germany at that time. On 15 February 1938, Karl Schenker was expelled from the German Reich for “improper conduct in public (road) traffic”.

On 30 September 1948 Karl Schenker was granted British citizenship. On 18 August 1954 he died in London’s Putney Hospital in London Borough of Wandsworth.

In the years 1913 to 1923 Karl Schenker worked with deceivingly real-looking wax figures. The dolls were hand made by him and set with wigs and make-up in lifelike scene.

Photographic works of his mannequins were shown in 2013 at the Venice Biennale. The exhibition at the Pinacoteca Agnelli was curated by the American artist Cindy Sherman. She showed works by Phyllis Galembo, Robert Gober, George Condo, Paul McCarthy, Duane Hanson, Rosemarie Trockel, Hans Bellmer, Karl Schenker, Herbert List and many others who had a major influence.

Illustration, damasks, ornament

Literature

Related

Note:  The next morning. Orchids from the house of Hermann Roche.

Leave a Reply


Auguste Racinet. The Costume History by Françoise Tétart-Vittu.

Racinet's Costume History is an invaluable reference for students, designers, artists, illustrators, and historians; and a rich source of inspiration for anyone with an interest in clothing and style. Originally published in France between 1876 and 1888, Auguste Racinet’s Le Costume historique was in its day the most wide-ranging and incisive study of clothing ever attempted.

Covering the world history of costume, dress, and style from antiquity through to the end of the 19th century, the six volume work remains completely unique in its scope and detail. “Some books just scream out to be bought; this is one of them.” ― Vogue.com

The Fabric of Civilization: How Textiles Made the World Paperback – December 7, 2021
by Virginia Postrel (Author)

From Neanderthal string to 3D knitting, an “expansive” global history that highlights “how textiles truly changed the world” (Wall Street Journal)


FASHIONPEDIA
Fashionpedia - The Visual Dictionary Of Fashion Design

Fashionpedia - The Visual Dictionary Of Fashion Design

FASHIONPEDIA is a visual fashion dictionary covering all the technical terms from style to material to production with illustrations and infographics. It encompasses rich, extensive information and yet is easy to read. Whether you are an industry insider or a fashion connoisseur, FASHIONPEDIA is all you will ever need to navigate the fashion scene.


Textilepedia. The Complete Fabric Guide.

The Textile Manual is an encyclopaedia of textile information, from material to yarn, from fabric structure to the finishing process. Encompassing practical tips for a range of textiles and detailed visuals, this ultra-accessible manual is the perfect companion for fashion aficionados and aspiring fashion designers.


Literature

Couture: then and now Clothes define people. A person's clothing, whether it's a sari, kimono, or business suit, is an essential key to his or her culture, class, personality, or even religion. The Kyoto Costume Institute recognizes the importance of understanding clothing sociologically, historically, and artistically.