Born in Tapiau, East Prussia, Lovis Corinth studied at the Kunstakademie in Königsberg and later in Munich and Paris. He became a central figure in the Berlin Secession, eventually succeeding Max Liebermann as its president in 1911, which solidified his position within the German avant-garde.

His practice spanned portraiture, landscapes, and biblical scenes, often utilizing a bold, impasto technique. Following a stroke in 1911, his work underwent a significant stylistic shift, becoming increasingly subjective, expressive, and characterized by vibrant color palettes and distorted forms.

Corinth remains a foundational figure in early 20th-century European art. His prints and paintings continue to be featured in major institutional collections and exhibitions focusing on the development of modernism and the evolution of German Expressionism.