BLUM, LUDWIG

BLUM, LUDWIG (1891–1974), Israel painter. Born in Moravia, Blum studied art at the Royal Academy in Vienna at 1910 and later on joined the Austrian army during World War I. In 1919–1920 he was at the Academy of Prague and then went on to advanced studies in Amsterdam, Paris, London and Madrid (1920–23). He immigrated to Palestine in 1923 and settled in Jerusalem. He lost his son in 1946 during a Palmaḥ action. In 1949 he was one of the founders of the first Artists' House in Jerusalem. Blum's work has four distinct periods: the first focused on the search for a decisive style; the second began with his arrival in Jerusalem and includes portraits, landscapes, and still lifes that are executed in a dry and naturalistic manner; the third began after his son fell and depicts fighting men during the War of Independence; the fourth began after the establishment of the state and includes views from all over the country. In 1968 he received the honorary reward of "Yakir Yerushalayim" for his artistic tribute to the city. His works are found in museums and private collections all around the world. -WEBSITE: www.mayanotgallery.com\>\> . (Shaked Gilboa (2nd ed.)