gustave herter (1830–1898) was a german-american artist and designer, best known as the co-founder of the herter brothers firm in new york city. he was born in stuttgart, germany, and immigrated to the united states in 1849. in 1864, he and his brother christian founded the herter brothers firm, which initially specialized in furniture and upholstery but later expanded to provide complete interior decoration services. herter brothers became one of the first american firms to offer comprehensive interior design services, including decorative paneling, mantels, wall and ceiling decoration, patt…