Donna Christie

I came across this cheeky chappy by happy accident one day.
utterly enamoured by its lovely academic, traditional style and dignified yet fanciful subject, I was curious to research the artist and model. Assuming it to be modern, given the camp subject and palette, i was surprised to find it dated 1907, signed by german artist, arthur kampf.

Scouring through historical photos of Mr Kampf, it became evident this was a self portrait. It was also my assumption from pouring over the many photos, he lived a homosexual lifestyle.

So i was flummoxed to find arthur in the 1940's, now a 'card carrying' nazi during hitler's war. moreover, he was hitler's personal artist and one of the very few ARTISTS given privileges and freedom of PAINTING style and subject matter.

What an extraordinary and complex human being.
Arthur's other work unfortunately, to me, felt uninspired and pedestrian. this self portrait however, has brought me so much joy, I have painted him three times. Once for my own home.

Each time i see this fancy, handsome man resplendent in his sparkly pink tights, I smile and wonder...



I will, on occasion, do mastercopies by request.
please contact ME for further information.