Karl Schmidt-Rottluff (1905-1976) was German expressionist painter and printmaker. Along with three other architecture students, Schmidt-Rottluff founded the artist group, die Brueke (the Bridge).

During his early years, he tended to paint northern landscapes during his time in the fishing village Dangast, and coastal towns Nidden and Hohwacht. After moving to Berlin in 1911, he shied away from Brueke subjects of urban modernity and instead, depicted nudes, which were influenced by Cubism, African and Oceanic art.

After serving in the army during World War I, he could no longer paint due to shattered nerves. Thus, he turned to woodcuts, focusing on biblical themes. In total he made 663 prints all dated between 1905 and 1927.