Josef Edgar KLEINERT

Josef Edgar Kleinert (* April 14, 1859, in Vienna; † May 26, 1949, in Vienna-Hadersdorf) was an Austrian painter and graphic artist. He was the son of the medallist and engraver Josef Kleinert (* December 25, 1824; † June 28, 1911) and the daughter of the medallist J. D. Böhm. Kleinert was also the brother of another artist.

From 1876 to 1881, he studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna under Carl Wurzinger, Eduard Griepenkerl, and L. C. Müller. From 1881 to 1883, he attended the master class with Hans Eisenmenger in Vienna. Subsequently, he lived for 20 years in Munich, where he undertook commissions in Carniola (Slovenia).

Upon his return to Vienna, he became a member of the Austrian Artists’ Association in 1908 and served as vice president after 1935. Kleinert began his artistic career with oil and watercolor paintings, exhibiting his works in Vienna, Salzburg, Graz, Munich, and Budapest. His themes included landscapes, interiors, and religious motifs. He also designed posters and tapestries.

From 1896 onward, Kleinert created his major works: wall and ceiling paintings for approximately 60 churches and monasteries in Vienna, Styria, Carniola, and Hungary. Additionally, he was active as a restorer.