The Finest Colors for Artists

A truly colorful history of the world's finest paint manufacturer for artists

Since its founding in 1881, H. Schmincke & Co has been a premier producer of artists’ paints. Artists such as Otto Dix, Emil Nolde and Oskar Kokoschka relied on Schmincke colors, as do many of today’s professional and amateur painters.

This history of the company traces its development over four generations. It tells the story of H. Schmincke’s modest beginnings at the end of the 19th century and their first product: oil paint. During an era of unprecedented artistic achievement in Europe and America, the company added watercolors and pastels to its acclaimed line of products.

This book also takes readers through the struggles of the company's owners (some of whom had Jewish ancestry) during the Third Reich, and how the family rebuilt the company after its buildings were destroyed in the Second World War. 

Since then, the company experienced a successful expansion during the post-war decades as well as a downturn caused by the collapsing economy and family issues. Now in its fourth generation of ownership, H. Schmincke & Co. is thriving amidst global challenges and opportunities.

Beautifully illustrated with artistic and archival images, this is a unique look behind the scenes of a company that has been committed to excellence in manufacturing – and to a rich engagement with the art world – for nearly 150 years.