Alfred Dupré

Alfred Dupré (* December 15, 1904, in Cologne; † September 14, 1956, in Munich) was a German painter associated with Neo-Expressionism, New Objectivity, and Surrealism.

Born to Carl Dupré, a factory director with artistic talent, Alfred displayed a natural aptitude for art early in life. He began his studies in 1920 at the Cologne School of Arts and Crafts under Friedrich August Weinzheimer and Werner Heuser, later continuing at the Düsseldorf Academy. At the age of 20, he moved to Anticoli, a renowned artist colony in Italy, and pursued further studies in Rome, Munich, Southern France, and Paris. There, he interacted with influential figures such as Pablo Picasso, Georges Braque, Maurice Utrillo, and Giorgio De Chirico, profoundly shaping his style.

Dupré’s works from the 1920s and early 1930s feature expressive, dynamic landscapes, portraits, and nudes. Later, he adopted a smoother, more structured approach influenced by New Objectivity. After returning to Germany in 1931, he focused on romanticized landscapes, especially those of his native Rhine region.

During the Nazi era, Dupré conformed to the regime’s artistic preferences. Works like Lower Rhine Landscape and Old Trees in Early Spring were exhibited at the Great German Art Exhibition and purchased by Adolf Hitler.

After World War II, Dupré created art reflecting a longing for Paris, a city that deeply inspired him. Towards the end of his life, he returned to Surrealism, pushing his style to the brink of abstraction. However, a heart condition limited his output during this period.

Dupré participated in numerous exhibitions in Germany and abroad, including Cologne, Düsseldorf, Berlin, Paris, and Munich. His work continued to receive recognition posthumously through various memorial exhibitions.