Otto Hamel

Otto Hamel, originally Otto August Maximilian Hammel, was a renowned German painter who was born in Erfurt on March 6, 1866 and died in Lohr am Main on July 23, 1950. His artistic career was characterized by an impressive development.

Hamel was born the son of a decorative painter in Erfurt and showed an early interest in painting. After his school education, he began his artistic training at the Royal Erfurt School of Art, where he studied under renowned artists such as the history painter Eduard von Hagen and Emanuel Semper. His passion and talent for painting led him to Berlin, where he continued his studies with Max Koch and Franz Skarbina on a scholarship from the city of Erfurt.

In 1888, Otto Hamel received a state scholarship that gave him the opportunity to study in Italy. A year later, he opened his first studio in Berlin and continued his artistic development. His travels and study visits eventually took him to Paris, where he came into contact with Impressionism, which had a significant influence on his art. After his return in 1890, he was appointed Professor of Decorative Painting at the renowned School of Arts and Crafts in Hanover.

During the dark era of National Socialism, Otto Hamel was a member of the Reich Chamber of Fine Arts. During this time, he took part in the Great German Art Exhibitions in Munich with a total of 13 of his works, with the exception of 1942. His works attracted attention and were acquired by prominent personalities such as Adolf Hitler and the leading Nazi functionaries Hermann Esser, Rudolf Hess and Joachim von Ribbentrop.

In honour of his 75th birthday, a special exhibition was organized to pay tribute to his important works. This exhibition was organized by the renowned Galerie H. Menges in Hanover, accompanied by an informative publication that impressively documented his artistic legacy.