Georg Paul Schad, known as Paul Schad-Rossa, was born on January 1, 1862, in Nuremberg and died on November 1, 1916, in Berlin. A German painter and sculptor, he was associated with Symbolism and Modernism. He began his artistic training at the Nuremberg Academy of Fine Arts, then continued his studies at the Munich Academy of Fine Arts in 1882, studying painting with Ludwig von Lofftz and Franz Defregger. To finance his studies, he copied works by Old Masters for prestigious clients, including King Carol I of Romania.
In 1888, he opened his own art school and joined a circle of influential artists. Influenced by the Munich Secession after 1892, he expressed that "art is the opposite of nature." Around 1900, he moved to Graz, founded the "Grazer Künstlerbund," and became its president. Although the association dissolved in 1903, Schad-Rossa continued to teach and promote modernism until 1904.
Based in Berlin, he traveled to Italy, Spain, Portugal, and the Bavarian Alps. In 1914, he was given a dedicated room at the Gros Berliner Kunstausstellung to exhibit his works. He died in 1916 at the age of 54. His works are preserved at the Städtische Museum in Halle and the Landesmuseum Kärnten in Klagenfurt.
Paul Schad-Rossa is recognized for his role in spreading Symbolism and Modernism in Graz and Berlin. His commitment through teaching and exhibitions marked the beginning of the 20th century, and his work remains valued in museum collections for its uniqueness in painting and sculpture.
