Deer in a Landscape

Hans Werner Schmidt was born on October 6, 1859, in Hamburg, into the family of a craftsman. He grew to become a distinguished German painter known for his historical and genre scenes, as well as portraits. Schmidt was also an accomplished illustrator and etcher.

In 1879, Schmidt pursued his artistic education at the Grand-Ducal Saxon Art School in Weimar, where he studied under renowned masters Albert Heinrich Brendel and Theodor Hagen. His work primarily focused on historical themes, often exploring the rich history of Weimar and the life of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. His talent and dedication were recognized early, leading him to become a master student in 1885, and later, in 1903, he was appointed as a professor.

Schmidt passed away on May 31, 1950, in Weimar. Today, his works are cherished in both private and public collections, including those at the Friedrich Schiller University Jena in Thuringia, Germany, and the collection of William Ernest, Grand Duke of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach. His legacy endures through his contributions to German art and his vivid portrayals of history.