Albert Welti

Albert Welti was the son of the famous Swiss painter Albert Jakob Welti, Sr. (1862-1912). He studied at the Art Academies in Düsseldorf, Bern, München, London, and Madrid. His parents died early, in 1911 and 1912. After drawing grotesque figures in his early works, Welti later concentrated on landscapes, still lifes, childrens’ and self-portraits, as well as symbolist motifs, mostly as oil paintings. In addition, he was also a graphic artist and designed book covers and mosaics.

During a stay on the Balearic Islands, he became sick with typhus, and following his recovery he changed from painting to writing. In 1921, he settled in Genève. Welti was best-known for his engagement in a large number of essays and speeches on topics of the cultural, literary, and political questions of the 1930s and 1940s. He also wrote several theater and radio plays as well as novels. In 1963, he travelled to Greenland.

The title of his submitted painting The Game of Hornussen refers to – as the subtitle says – a sport of the Bernese shepherds. It is related to batting games such as cricket and baseball.