The Stuttgart based artist Willi Baumeister (1889–1955) is one of the most important representatives of abstract modernism in Germany. Constantly searching new forms of artistic expression, he became known for his unconventional painting techniques and materials. The Baumeister research project is now investigating whether the artist was not only innovative in his abstract compositions, but also in his use of newly developed synthetic and semi-synthetic resins during the mid 20th century, and in the way he exploited them to reach his artistic goals. This paper focuses on the painting Roter Horizont (mit Marmorierung) / Red horizon (with marbling) dating from 1946. The case study exemplifies the influence of two experiences which shaped Baumeister’s technical means of artistic expression: his apprenticeship as a decorative painter (1905–1907) as well as his experiments with synthetic and semi-synthetic resins as an employee of the Dr. Kurt Herberts & Co. paint factory between 1937 and 1945. This paper combines hints from a variety of written and material sources including his own writings, the technical examination of Roter Horizont (mit Marmorierung) as well as the analysis of paint samples, using in particular Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) microscopy. The case study shows how Baumeister’s painting techniques and his material choices can be traced and linked to these experiences.
