Brasilianisches Rasthaus

Ferdinand Keller prints bring together two worlds: the tropical landscapes of Brazil, which he sketched as a teenager, and the grand history and mythological paintings of nineteenth-century Germany. Keller was a German genre and history painter who directed the Karlsruhe Academy for more than thirty years. Our collection of fine art prints includes his Brazilian studies, portraits, mythological scenes and his painting of Böcklin's grave.

About Ferdinand Keller

Ferdinand Keller was born in Karlsruhe on 5 August 1842, the son of a civil engineer. In 1857 his father won a contract to design bridges, roads and dams in Brazil, and Ferdinand went with him. Over four years there he taught himself to draw by sketching the tropical landscape.

Back home he studied at the Karlsruhe Academy under Johann Wilhelm Schirmer and then Ludwig des Coudres, and took private lessons with the Viennese painter Hans Canon. After study trips to Switzerland and France he won his first recognition with The Death of Philip II. From 1867 to 1869 he lived in Rome, where he shared a studio with Anselm Feuerbach.

In 1870 he began teaching at the Karlsruhe Academy, became a professor in 1873 and was its director from 1880 to 1913. He painted curtains and decorations for the Karlsruhe Court Theatre and the Dresden Semperoper, and decorations for the Landesmuseum Württemberg that earned him a title of nobility from the King. For the Grand Duke of Baden he painted the History of Baden. He died in Baden-Baden on 8 July 1922.

Style and Subjects

Keller's history and mythological paintings are large, colourful and theatrical, in the grand manner of late nineteenth-century Germany, with rich costumes and dramatic compositions. His portraits are careful and dignified.

His Brazilian sketches and studies are fresher and more direct: mountains, rivers, forest huts, mule trains and cattle drovers observed on the spot. He also made etchings to illustrate many books.

Famous Works

• Portrait of a Hunter (1860), Augustinermuseum, Freiburg. An early portrait from just after his return from Brazil.
• Coastal Landscape near Rio de Janeiro (1864), Staatliche Kunsthalle Karlsruhe. A Brazilian coast worked up from his youthful sketches.
• The Carrier Pigeon (1865), Augustinermuseum, Freiburg. A genre scene from his student years.
• Portrait of Nanna Risi (1869), Augustinermuseum, Freiburg. Feuerbach's famous model, painted during his Rome years.
• Selene (1886). The moon goddess in a mythological scene.
• Kaiser Wilhelm the Victorious (1888), Alte Nationalgalerie, Berlin. A grand allegory of the German emperor.
• Böcklin's Grave. A tribute to the Swiss painter Arnold Böcklin.

Decorating with Keller Prints

Keller's Brazilian landscapes and studies suit studies, libraries and travel-themed rooms, with their lush mountains, rivers and forests. A print such as Alexander von Humboldt on the Orinoco is a natural choice for a reading room or explorer's den.

His portraits and mythological scenes suit traditional dining rooms and hallways with dark wood and gilt frames.

FAQ

Who was Ferdinand Keller?

Ferdinand Keller was a German genre and history painter who lived from 1842 to 1922. He directed the Karlsruhe Academy of Fine Arts from 1880 to 1913.

Why did Ferdinand Keller paint Brazil?

As a teenager he spent four years in Brazil with his father, an engineer, and taught himself to draw by sketching the tropical landscape.

Who taught Ferdinand Keller?

He studied at the Karlsruhe Academy with Johann Wilhelm Schirmer and Ludwig des Coudres, and took private lessons with Hans Canon.

Did Keller know Anselm Feuerbach?

Yes. From 1867 to 1869 he lived in Rome and shared a studio with Feuerbach, and he painted Feuerbach's model Nanna Risi.

Where can I see Ferdinand Keller's paintings?

Works are in the Staatliche Kunsthalle in Karlsruhe and Baden-Baden, the Augustinermuseum in Freiburg and the Alte Nationalgalerie in Berlin.

Related Artists

• Johann Wilhelm Schirmer: his teacher at the Karlsruhe Academy
• Hans Canon: Viennese painter who gave him private lessons
• Anselm Feuerbach: painter who shared his studio in Rome
• Arnold Böcklin: Swiss painter whose grave he painted