Erich Engelbrecht in his workshop in Holterdorf, Melle

Erich Engelbrecht


In 1974, Erich Engelbrecht visits Werner Haftmann, at that time the first director of the Berlin National Gallery. He presents him with examples of his prints and illustrations of his paintings. Werner Haftmann looks at them long and thoughtfully. Finally he raises his head and says: “I pride myself on knowing all the major art movements of the 20th century, but I can’t find anything that compares to your work.” After a further short break: “Maybe Viktor Brauner?” After an even shorter break: “No, not him either. Your work is completely singular.”
*Erich Engelbrecht at the Kunst Zürich art fair*

In 1974, Erich Engelbrecht visits Werner Haftmann, at that time the first director of the Berlin National Gallery. He presents him with examples of his prints and illustrations of his paintings. Werner Haftmann looks at them long and thoughtfully. Finally he raises his head and says:
“I pride myself on knowing all the major art movements of the 20th century, but I can’t find anything that compares to your work.”

After a further short break:
“Maybe Viktor Brauner?”

After an even shorter break:
“No, not him either. Your work is completely singular.”

Erich Engelbrecht at the Kunst Zürich art fair