Art
Becker is associated with the Düsseldorf school of painting.
He broke with the lofty attitude of much Biblical historical painting in the Städel creating his profane scenes. As the first professor of landscape and genre painting, he sought his subjects in the countryside and was especially interested in the social problems of the peasantry. He used much realistic detail and emotional gesture.
He was also open to French influences. In 1858 he offered to share his studio with Gustave Courbet and - despite having to endure some rudeness from the French artist - Becker accepted some of his stylistic influences.
Jakob Becker has taught successfully at the academy for thirty years. Some of his pupils were to form the Kronberg Painters' Colony one generation later.
One of his best-known works was “Praying Peasant Family.”
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What art can wash her guilt away?
The only art her guilt to cover,
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