Hermann Weiß was an accomplished German painter, professor, and history writer.
Born in Hamburg, Weiß trained initially at the Berlin Academy of Arts under Johann Samuel Otto, before heading for the Kunstakademie Düsseldorf, renowned for its exemplary teaching methods. It was an exceedingly traditional affair with emphasis placed upon storytelling through art. Students often selected subjects imbued with a narrative, and painting historical scenes was a popular endeavour. Many gained significant patrons and respect for the Academy spread both in Germany and overseas.
Anna Schleh (1833-1879), Hermann Weiß (1879)
In 1850, now furnished with a deep respect for the old masters and a passion for history, Weiß returned to Berlin, where he exhibited works at the Berlin Academy of Arts. These were primarily scenes, either capturing everyday moments within dwellings or describing past events. Around this time, he also undertook study trips to Austria and France.
Evidently, he was a learned man as, alongside his work as a painter, he was appointed as the Assistant Director of the Museum of Prints and Drawings, and Professor at the Berlin Academy. This combination of artistic prowess, academia and a passion for history resulted in his highly-regarded book, ‘Handbuch der Costümkunde’ (Handbook of Costume Studies).
It appears that his painting career dwindled as he aged, with his focus turning to educating the next generation of pioneering German storytellers.
Exhibited
Berlin Academy of Arts.
Timeline
1822
Born in Hamburg.
Trained at the Berlin Academy of Arts under Johann Samuel Otto.
1843
Trained at the Kunstakademie Düsseldorf under Theodor Hildebrandt.
1850
Moved to Berlin.
Exhibited at the Berlin Academy of Arts.
1854-1884
Worked as the Assistant Director at Kupferstichkabinett, Berlin (Museum of Prints and Drawings).
1856
Appointed as a Professor at the Berlin Academy of Fine Arts.
1872
Published his ‘Handbuch der Costümkunde’ (Handbook of Costume Studies).
1883
Appointed Privy Councillor.
1897
Died in Berlin.