This highly detailed winter scene by Ludwig Hermann shows a busy continental town on a frozen river. The soft hues of the medieval buildings and a gothic cathedral provide a contrast with the frozen water. Meanwhile the townsfolk having cut holes in the ice to fish and draw water, continue about their business.

Ludwig Hermann or Herman was born Elias Ludwig Julius Herrmann at Greifswald, Germany in 1812 to Wilhelm and Sophie Herrmann. Although little is recorded about his early life and education, he is known to have left his home in 1831 at the age of 19, to pursue an artistic career in Berlin. There he entered the Prussian Academy of Arts where he studied under Johann Gottfried Schadow (1764-1850).

Hermann started exhibiting at the Berlin Academy exhibitions in 1836. A year later in 1837, he travelled to Paris to study under Eugène Isabey (1803-1886) and Eugène Lepoittevin (1806-1870). By 1841, he had returned to Berlin where he married Caroline Wilhelmine ‘Auguste’ Dupont on 16 October, 1841. From his base in Berlin he travelled around Europe painting views of France, Holland and Germany. As well as exhibiting in Berlin, he also exhibited in Bremen, Leipzig and in England. His exhibitions in the UK spanned between 1862 and 1873 and included the Royal Academy. He died in Berlin on 29 December, 1881.

Collectors over the years have been captivated by his still watered views along the Rhine, always displaying his warm palette and clever use of detail. His busy quayside views are always interesting with their inclusion of figures and beautiful weathered buildings. Paintings by Hermann can be found at the Victoria Art Gallery, Bath, Musee des Beaux-Arts de Mullhouse, France and in the Trieste Museum, Italy.

© Benton Fine Art