Ludwig Friedrich Hofelich was an accomplished German painter and wood engraver of landscapes. He trained initially under Johann Gottfried Flegel before enrolling at the Imperial Academy of Arts in Saint Petersburg and later at the Academy in Leipzig. Blighted by ill-health, he turned to landscape painting to enable greater access to the rejuvenating qualities of nature. In addition to his painting prowess, he was also a talented pianist.

Public Collections

Bavarian State Painting Collections, Alte Nationalgalerie in Berlin, Museum for Visual Arts in Leipzig, City-Historical Museum in Leipzig, Kunsthalle (Art Center) in Hamburg, City Museum in Munich, Upper Austrian Federal State Museum in Linz.

Timeline

1842

Born in Leipzig, Germany to Johann Conrad Hofelich, a tailor, and his wife Christiane Hofelich (nee Grahmann).

Studied wood engraving under Johann Gottfried Flegel.

1860

Enrolled at the Imperial Academy of Arts in Saint Petersburg. Simultaneously studied music.

Blighted by ‘violent nerve fever’. Sought recuperation via sailing on the River Newa. His health would falter throughout his life.

1865

Returned to Leipzig and enrolled at the Leipzig Academy.

Travelled to Dresden and Berlin.

1868

Travelled to Salzburg, Austria.

Undertook study trips to Switzerland, Italy and Bavaria.

Moved to Munich.

1877

Married Laura Seelinger, a pianist and professor's daughter.

1903

Died in Munich.