Desire Thomassin

1858 - 1933

Essentials

  • Color intensity: vivid
  • Art period: 19th Century
  • Lifespan: 75 years
  • Typical colors: putty
  • Born: 1858, Vienna, Austria
  • Top 3 works:
    • Shepherd Returning Home
    • Haymaking
    • A Winter Day Comes to an End
  • Top-ranked work: Shepherd Returning Home

A Dual Artistic Life

Desire Thomassin was an Austrian painter and composer born in Vienna. His early life was marked by musical training; at the age of 19, he became a student at the Royal Music School in Munich, studying under professors Josef Gabriel Rheinberger and Max Hieber until 1881. Although he initially sought to sustain himself as a music teacher, he eventually turned to painting to support his family. During this period, he worked for the Munich art dealer Jakob Anger, often signing his works with the name Renardt.

His artistic output was diverse, focusing on several key subjects:

His painting style was characterized by finely graduated mood painting, often leaning toward a naturalistic style.

Musical Legacy and Composition

While his painting career was marked by economic struggle, Thomassin achieved broader public recognition as a composer starting around 1908. His musical works from this later period include:

His violin concerto was premiered by the violinist Felix Berber. While he produced many works, Thomassin himself withdrew much of his early musical output composed before 1908.

Questions & Answers

How did Desire Thomassin's art evolve over time?

A chronological account of Desire Thomassin's work is available on the artist's Chronicle page, where the artworks pass in order of creation, chapter by chapter.

What are the birthplace and birth year of Desire Thomassin?

Desire Thomassin was born in Vienna in 1858.

How do I find all works by Desire Thomassin in a given medium?

Desire Thomassin's works can be browsed by medium on the artist's All Medium page.

What other names is Desire Thomassin known by?

Desire Thomassin is also known as Desire Thomassin Renardt, Thomassin Desire, Desid. Thomassin, Des. Thomassin, Desire R. Thomassin.

Test your eye

There is only one correct answer for each question.

Question 1:
In which city was Désiré Thomassin born?
Question 2:
Besides being a painter, what was Thomassin's other primary profession?
Question 3:
Which art dealer did Thomassin work for, often signing works with the name 'Renardt'?
Question 4:
What was a major focus of Thomassin's painting style?
Question 5:
To whom did Thomassin dedicate his violin concerto?