The Life and Artistic Evolution of Ewald Platte
Born in Germany, Ewald Platte was a painter whose career spanned much of the twentieth century. His early training took place at the Kunstgewerbeschule Barmen, where he studied under Ludwig Fahrenkrog and Gustav Wiethüchter. During his formative years, his work began to show a movement toward an abstract-cubist style. His artistic journey was marked by significant historical shifts, including service as a soldier during the First World War and the subsequent impact of the National Socialist era, which resulted in the seizure and destruction of several of his works. Following the destruction of his home by incendiary bombs in 1943, he experienced a new beginning characterized by plein air painting and landscapes of his homeland.
Technique and Mastery of Encaustic
In his later years, Platte became noted for his specialized use of encaustic techniques, developing approximately 300 different variants of the method. His process was highly technical and labor-intensive: he dissolved wax using agents like turpentine and benzine, applying the colored layers onto absorbent surfaces such as newspaper. These sections were often collaged together and bonded with transparent wax layers. To achieve a permanent finish, he used a heavy DEMAG press to glue the works onto chipboard. He even utilized down pillows during the pressing process to protect the relief-like structures of the paint. To ensure colorfastness, he would leave his color samples in the sunlight for months, partially covered, to test their stability.
