Fritz Mackensen | Die einsame Heimfahrt | 1903 | Öl auf Leinwand

Fritz Mackensen (1866-1953) is probably the most controversial figure among the Worpswede painters. The ambitious art student from a humble background had been traveling regularly to Worpswede since 1884 to paint there. Truly, he discovered Worpswede for the art scene. Only years later did Hans am Ende and Otto Modersohn follow him, and even later also Fritz Overbeck and Heinrich Vogeler.

For a long time, Mackensen was considered the most promising of the Worpswede painters. Numerous prizes and medals consolidated his fame, and his successes at exhibitions contributed significantly to the fame of Worpswede.

The great success, however, was followed by the demise: With the end of the First World War, it became apparent that Mackensen had lost the connection to contemporary modern art movements. He was increasingly in financial difficulties, and commissions were rare. At an early age he became involved in German National associations and in 1937 he joined the NSDAP, aged 71 years. His ideological mindset became increasingly apparent in his work, and his further development as an artist suffered from that. The success of the early years did not return: lonely and impoverished, Mackensen died in Worpswede in 1953.