Marianne von Werefkin

Marianne von Werefkin, born Marianna Vladimirovna Veryovkina in the Russian Empire, was a pivotal figure in German Expressionism. Dubbed the ‘Russian Rembrandt’ early in her career, she was a private student of Ilya Repin. Werefkin moved to Munich with her partner Alexej von Jawlensky, where their home became a nexus for avant-garde artists. She co-founded the Neue Künstlervereinigung München and was deeply involved with Der Blaue Reiter group, influencing and being influenced by contemporaries like Kandinsky, Marc, and Münter.

---

Despite her critical role in shaping German Expressionism, Werefkin suspended her painting for a decade to support Jawlensky's career, showcasing her selfless dedication to art and love. She was known as the 'heart and soul' of the artistic community she fostered in Munich, and her innovative approach to color and form has left a lasting legacy in modern art.

---