(Sankt Anton am Arlberg 1891 – Innsbruck 1958)
was born on 8 February 1891 in Oberndorf near Kitzbühel. His family moved to Kitzbühel at an early age, where his father worked as a headmaster. Walde showed artistic talent even during his secondary school years in Innsbruck, producing watercolour and tempera paintings while still a teenager. From 1910 to 1914, he studied architecture in Vienna, where he also trained in painting. He was artistically influenced by encounters with Egon Schiele, Gustav Klimt and patrons such as Robert Örley. After the First World War, he devoted himself entirely to painting. In the 1920s and 1930s, he created particularly famous winter landscapes, sports motifs and posters, which shaped the public image of Tyrol. His style is characterised by minimalist drawing, strong colours and clear, atmospheric lighting. In 1956, he was awarded the honorary title of ‘Professor’.
Alfons Walde died on 11 December 1958 in Kitzbühel.
