Otto Herbig

1889 - 1971

Quick Facts

  • Color intensity: monochromatic
  • Typical colors: neutrals
  • Top-ranked work: 2 Chestnut Trees
  • Art period: Modern
  • Museums on APS: Bavarian State Painting Collections
  • Died: 1971

Life and Artistic Journey

Born in Dorndorf, Germany, Otto Herbig was a painter, lithographer, graphic artist, and teacher. His formal training began in Jena, followed by studies at the Academy in Munich. He furthered his education in Berlin under Lovis Corinth and Albin Egger-Lienz, and later studied at the art school in Weimar. During the First World War, he served in the medical service in France and Flanders. After the war, he lived in Berlin, where he was friends with Otto Mueller and Karl Schmidt-Rottluff. Following several stays in Italy, he returned to Berlin in the 1930s. In 1946, he was appointed a professor at the Staatliche Hochschule für Baukunst und bildende Künste in Weimar. After retiring in 1955, he lived in Kleinmachnow before moving to Weilheim in Oberbayern in 1963.

Artistic Style and Works

Herbig was an expressionist artist who worked with oil paintings and was particularly noted for his use of expressionistic, luminous pastel colors. His subject matter included landscapes, still lifes of flowers, portraits, and depictions of children. His portfolio includes works such as Kleine Madonna, Knabe am Weihnachtstisch, and Blütenzweig. His art has been exhibited in various institutions, including the Neue Nationalgalerie, the Brücke-Museum Berlin, and the Lübecker Museum. During the period of National Socialism, some of his works were confiscated as part of the "Entartete Kunst" action from several museums, including the Museum Folkwang Essen and the Kestner-Museum Hannover.

Questions & Answers

What moods do Otto Herbig's artworks express?

Otto Herbig's works can be browsed by mood on the artist's Mood Room page, which arranges the artworks by their recorded moods.

What are the birth city and country of Otto Herbig?

Otto Herbig was born in Dorndorf, in Germany.

Where are Otto Herbig's artworks grouped by art movement?

Otto Herbig's works can be browsed by movement on the artist's All Movements page.