Curt Aghte (1862, Berlin—1943, ibid.), Cliff

watercolor on paper, 25 x 36.5 cm (inside the mat)
signed lower left: "Curt Aghte"
Inscription on the reverse: "Strand bei Adlershorst, Zoppot/Ostsee"

Two labels on the back of the frame: 1) Kunsthandlung Alstertal/-Bilder u. Rahmenstudio/Rudolf Schrape/Frahmredder 10, 2000 Hamburg 65/ Tel. 601 49 43 2)Kurt Aghte, born in 1862 in Berlin

This is most likely a view of Orłowski Cliff. A similar view can be found in pre-war photographs and postcards (Fig. I). The facts regarding Kurt Aghte’s stay in what was then Adlershorst (Orłowo, Gdynia) are not fully known. This biographical gap leaves some room for interpretation. The artist was a renowned German landscape painter, repeatedly recognized by the art exhibition community. Travel was an important part of his creative journey, allowing him to hone his craft. He was particularly fond of Italy. We can admire the landscapes he painted during that time thanks to a collection of his works held by the National Museum in Warsaw.