Georg Baselitz's "Fracture Paintings," developed between 1966 and 1969, represent a pivotal shift in his artistic approach. These works mark Baselitz's transition from the "Hero" series to a new method of deconstructing and reconfiguring the human figure. By dividing his canvases into horizontal sections and independently painting body fragments, Baselitz introduced a disjointed, fragmented aesthetic that challenged traditional notions of pictorial construction (The Metropolitan Museum of Art) (Guggenheim Bilbao).

Baselitz's "Fracture Paintings" emerged during a time of significant personal and professional transformation. Following his move to the countryside in 1966, he began to draw inspiration from rural life, incorporating motifs such as cows, woodsmen, and hunting dogs into his work. This shift in subject matter from the war-torn landscapes of his earlier "Hero" paintings to more bucolic themes was a deliberate attempt to distance himself from the post-apocalyptic imagery that had dominated his previous works. However, these new subjects were not depicted idyllically; instead, Baselitz's fracturing technique disrupted their coherence, creating a sense of dislocation and fragmentation (Christie's) (Christie's).

The "Fracture Paintings" reflect Baselitz's complex relationship with his German heritage and the broader cultural landscape of post-war Europe. By physically breaking apart his figures, Baselitz symbolically addressed the fractured identity of Germany and the lingering scars of World War II. This method allowed him to explore themes of disintegration and reconstruction, both personally and culturally. His use of thick, gestural brushstrokes and vibrant impasto added a visceral quality to the paintings, emphasizing the tension between the figures' fragmented forms and their material presence (Christie's) (Christie's).

Baselitz's work during this period was also influenced by his exposure to various artistic traditions and movements. His study of Mannerism and admiration for the excesses and distortions characteristic of that style can be seen in the exaggerated and often grotesque forms of his "Fracture Paintings." Additionally, his engagement with the work of contemporary artists and the prevailing trends of Neo-Expressionism and conceptual art informed his experimental approach to figuration and composition (Guggenheim Bilbao) (Christie's).

The "Fracture Paintings" stand as a testament to Baselitz's innovative spirit and his willingness to confront and reinterpret the complex cultural and historical narratives of his time. These works not only marked a significant evolution in his artistic practice but also contributed to the broader discourse on the role of painting in a post-war context (The Metropolitan Museum of Art) (Christie's) (Christie's) .