Bernhard Plockhorst Paintings

Bernhard Plockhorst was a German painter and graphic artist whose work became quite popular during his life, especially for his religious themes. Born on March 2, 1825, in Brunswick, Germany, Plockhorst showed an early interest in the arts. However, his initial career path was not in art. He worked in a variety of trades, including as a bookseller, before devoting himself fully to painting.

Plockhorst's art education began in earnest when he enrolled in the Berlin Academy of Art. He later continued his studies in Paris and Rome, which was a common practice for artists of that era who wished to immerse themselves in the rich artistic traditions of Europe. During his time in Italy, he was particularly influenced by the works of the Renaissance masters.

Upon returning to Germany, Plockhorst began to produce a series of religious paintings that would define his career. His style was characterized by a blend of academic painting traditions with a more personal, emotional approach to religious subject matter. One of his most famous works is 'The Guardian Angel' (circa 1886), depicting an angel watching over two children as they cross a perilous bridge. This image, and others like it, resonated deeply with the sensibilities of the time, capturing both the piety and sentimentality of the late 19th century.

Plockhorst’s work was widely disseminated in the form of prints and engravings, which contributed to his popularity. His religious paintings were particularly embraced by Protestant audiences, and reproductions of his works were often found in family Bibles and religious publications.

In addition to religious paintings, Plockhorst also created portraits, genre scenes, and mythological works. However, it is his devotional images that have endured as his most recognized contributions to art. Bernhard Plockhorst passed away on May 4, 1907, in Berlin, but his works continue to be appreciated for their serene beauty and spiritual depth.