Herman G. Struck Paintings

Hermann Struck was born Hermann Gustav Büchenbacher on March 6, 1876, in Berlin, Germany. He showed an early talent for drawing and went on to study at the Berlin Academy of Fine Arts. Struck was influenced by his Jewish heritage and his experiences as a German, which would later reflect in his art, particularly his etchings and lithographs.

Struck became well known for his portrait work, capturing the likenesses of prominent cultural figures of the time, including Friedrich Nietzsche, Thomas Mann, and Albert Einstein. His artistic skill, however, was not limited to portraiture; he also produced landscapes, religious scenes, and was a pioneer in the art of the ex-libris, personalized bookplates for bibliophiles.

As an Orthodox Jew, his work often grappled with themes of religion and spirituality. During World War I, Struck served in the German army and was tasked with creating art that documented the war, which led to the production of a significant portfolio of work that provided a unique perspective on the conflict.

Struck’s legacy extends beyond his own artistry to his influence as a teacher. He authored 'Die Kunst des Radierens' (The Art of Etching), which became a seminal text on the subject. His students included a range of important 20th-century artists, such as Marc Chagall, Lesser Ury, and Max Liebermann.

In 1922, following the turmoil of World War I and the changes it wrought upon Europe, Struck immigrated to Mandatory Palestine, where he continued to work and teach. He settled in Haifa and became involved in the local artistic community, influencing Jewish art and culture in the region.

Hermann Struck died on January 11, 1944, in Haifa. His work remains on display in various collections and museums around the world, attesting to his skill and the impact of his dual heritage on his artistic output. His contributions to printmaking and Jewish art continue to be recognized and celebrated by both historians and collectors alike.