View of Funchal – Madeira, Portugal

Alfred Kunze, born on March 13, 1866, in Chemnitz, Saxony, was a versatile German painter celebrated for his captivating landscapes and seascapes. A gifted artist, Kunze also excelled as an engraver, watercolourist, pastellist, and lithographer. His works reflect a deep connection with nature, capturing the serene beauty of the world around him.

Kunze began his artistic journey as a lithographer, creating detailed city views that showcased his eye for composition and attention to detail. As his career progressed, he expanded his artistic repertoire, exploring pastels, watercolours, and oil painting. He developed a particular affinity for seascapes and mountain landscapes, traveling extensively to find inspiration in the natural world.

His travels took him across Northern Bohemia, Prague, Vienna, Salzkammergut, Augsburg, and Nuremberg, where he painted a variety of landscapes that captured the essence of each location. In 1889, Kunze established his own studio in Leipzig, where he continued to refine his craft. A decade later, in 1900, he returned to his hometown of Chemnitz, where he further immersed himself in the local art scene.

In 1902, Kunze collaborated with fellow artist Franz Wilhelms and became a member of the prestigious ‘Kunsthütte,’ a local art association dedicated to fostering artistic talent in the region. He continued to explore new vistas on a journey that took him to Paris, Belgium, Holland, Denmark, Sweden, Tyrol, Italy, and along the North Sea. His paintings from these travels depict a rich variety of landscapes, from the tranquil waters of Northern Europe to the majestic peaks of the Alps.

Kunze was an active member of the Deutscher Künstlerbund and the Chemnitz Artists, where he played a significant role in documenting and preserving the charm of Old Chemnitz’s picturesque alleys and corners, many of which were rarely depicted in art at the time. His works capture not only the grandeur of sweeping natural landscapes but also the quiet, understated beauty of his hometown.

Alfred Kunze passed away in Chemnitz on March 25, 1943, leaving behind a legacy of evocative landscapes that continue to captivate viewers. Today, his artworks can be found in numerous private collections around the world, cherished for their delicate portrayal of nature’s beauty and his unique ability to bring even the most secluded and quiet corners of the world to life.