Painting

From 1912 until 1924 only one event was held in the painting category. After a modest start with only four artists known by name from three countries in 1912, the number of participants increased to 64 in 1924. The Amsterdam Olympics in 1928 brought considerable changes. For the first time, three different events were distinguished in painting: “Paintings“ (in oil), “Drawings” (including water colours), and “Graphic works”. Also exhibited for the first time were works “out of competition“ or “hors concours”. A number of other well-known and prominent painters also took part, including Max Slevogt, George Grosz, Max Liebermann, Hunt Diederich, Gerald Spencer Pryse, and others. The number of participants and art works exploded to 200 and almost 400, respectively.

In 1932, the three events were basically retained. The number of artists rose to an all-time high of 331 with almost 700 works, more than 40% of which, however, came from the USA. About one third of the countries present, were only represented by single artists “hors concours”. These were predominantly artists living in the USA at the time or with close ties there. For the first time, so-called “Honourable Mentions” were determined. In 1936, the number of events was increased to four: “Paintings”, “Graphic Arts”, “Applied Arts” and “Drawings and Watercolours”. Japan, as the envisaged host of the 1940 Olympics, had the most entrants.

In London in 1948, again only three events were held; this time, they were designated as follows: “Paintings” (Oils, Water Colours, etc.), “Graphic Arts” (Engravings, Etchings, etc.) and “Applied Art and Crafts”. In the latter all submitted works of applied arts and crafts were grouped together including glass art, gold and silver objects, ceramics, stamp designs, but also a leather slipcase and even dolls. The participation dropped to 161 artists and 272 works. In 1952, the art competitions were replaced by an exhibition without judging the works. Some countries were represented for the first time but sending renowned artists.

Of the total of almost a 1,000 participants in painting approximately 13% were women. In the 16 events, 11 gold, 14 silver and 13 bronze medals were awarded, and additionally 31 Honourable Mentions. Fifteen countries won at least one medal with Great Britain and the USA were most successful with two golds and silvers each. The most successful individual artist in painting was Jean Jacoby from Luxembourg. He won gold in 1924 and 1928 and added Honourable Mentions in 1932 and 1936. Alex Walter Diggelmann from Switzerland achieved the rare feat of winning two medals in one event (silver and bronze in Applied Arts and Crafts in 1948).