Title of Artwork: “The Murder of Andreas Baader”
Artwork by Odd Nerdrum
Year Created 1977 – 1978
Summary of The Murder of Andreas Baader
As one of Odd Nerdrum’s first and most important works, The Murder of Andreas Baader (1977-1978) deserves special mention. As a far-left militant organisation, the Baader-Meinhof group, Andreas Baader was one of the founders of the Norwegian painter’s depiction. In addition to murder and kidnapping, the group’s leaders were imprisoned and found guilty for their involvement in countless other crimes as well.
All About The Murder of Andreas Baader
A Lufthansa plane in Somalia was seized by the group’s other members in an attempt to secure their release through negotiations with Hanns Martin Schleyer, a businessman and industrialist. Successfully regaining control of the hijacked jet on October 17, 1977, the authorities staged a successful operation.
Four convicted terrorists were found dead in their cells the following morning; three of them, including Andreas Baader, had been stabbed to death. A number of people believe that the German authorities murdered the captives, despite official statements to the contrary.
When it comes to Nerdrum’s painting, the unofficial version depicting a state-authorized execution prevails.
Caravaggio’s Crucifixion of St. Peter served as Nerdrum’s inspiration for this masterwork (1601). Chiaroscuro is a phrase used to describe stark contrasts between light and dark, and it is used to describe both works’ dramatic compositions. For example, Carvaggio’s Crucifixion of St. Peter shows the saint being nailed to the cross, while his assailants are represented in the shadows and depicted from the back.
For example, the victim is bathed in light while the perpetrators are largely hidden or facing away from the camera. As Baader lies nude and battered on the ground, the executioner emerges from the darkness, his gun trained on Baader’s head.
Nerdrum’s picture sparked debate in Norway and Germany at a time when the public was still traumatised by the events of the “German Autumn. As an anarchist at the time, Nerdrum felt sympathetic to Baader’s idealistic but ultimately tragic character. However, the presentation of Baader as a martyr sparked public resentment while providing a platform for critical discussion and debate.
Criticizing the present environment and the modern state, the murder of Andreas Baader questioned the legitimacy of state authority. Today’s civilizations profess benevolence and friendliness outwardly, but within they practise brutality and violence, according to Nerdrum.
At this point in Nerdrum’s career, the portrayal of Baader as a martyr to governmental oppression is distinctive of his work. In his early works, Nerdrum often depicted the plight of those on the periphery of society, such as losers and outcasts who are either neglected or persecuted.
Abandoned and Morning (1972-1973) are two examples of works in this vein (1977-1978). While the Murder of Andreas Baader depicts a single person, these artworks share a harsh view of the state and modern society.
Information Citations
En.wikipedia.org, https://en.wikipedia.org/.
