The Life of Curt Herrmann
Hugo Curt Herrmann was a German Impressionist and Neo-Impressionist painter associated with the Berlin Secession. Born in Merseburg, in the Prussian Province of Saxony, he moved to Berlin at age sixteen. He began his career working in the studios of Carl Steffeck and later studied with the history painter Wilhelm von Lindenschmit at the Academy of Fine Arts, Munich. In 1885, he established himself as a portrait painter in Munich.
In 1893, Herrmann moved back to Berlin, where he opened a drawing and painting school for women. He was a founding member of the Berlin Secession and served on its advisory board. Following a split in the group in 1914, he joined the Free Secession, serving as its president until 1918. Later in life, he lived at a manor house in Pretzfeld. After falling into a deep depression in 1923, he ceased painting.
Artistic Contributions and Recognition
Throughout his career, Herrmann maintained professional connections with several notable figures, including Paul Signac, Théo van Rysselberghe, and Maurice Denis. He was instrumental in convincing Paul Cassirer to display these artists at his gallery and organized an exhibition of modern French artists presented by the Secession. His efforts also extended to promoting younger artists such as Arthur Segal, Alexej von Jawlensky, and Adolf Erbslöh.
In 1917, he was named a Professor at the Royal Academy of Arts. In 1924, he received an honorary doctorate from the University of Marburg. His later work became increasingly abstract before he stopped painting entirely.
Questions & Answers
What are the birthplace and birth year of Curt Herrmann?
Curt Herrmann was born in Merseburg in 1854.
In which historical period did Curt Herrmann work?
Curt Herrmann worked in the 19th-Century period. The period situates the artist's activity in history.
Which artworks by Curt Herrmann are the most viewed?
The Stats page of Curt Herrmann presents statistics computed from the artist's artworks listed on this website.
Where are Curt Herrmann's artworks mapped by subject?
The Subject Atlas page maps Curt Herrmann's artworks by subject.
