Oswald Achenbach – Artwork and Bio of the German Painter

Oswald Achenbach was a German Painter born on the 2nd of February, 1827. Oswald was the fifth of ten children born to Herman and Christine Achenbach in Dusseldorf, Germany. Oswald and his brother, Andreas, also a renowned painter of this era, were tagged “the A and O of Landscapes,” an appraisal of their initials, also denoting Alpha and Omega of Landscapes.

Achenbach was enrolled at the Art Academy in Dusseldorf at the tender age of eight. The painting genius was an exception to the admission rule, which stated that children had to be age twelve at least. Oswald left the Academy in 1841 and started on a journey through Italy; most of his early oil paintings are from this period.

Oswald was a founding member of an association of independent artists in Dusseldorf called Malkasten. Oswald was associated with this group throughout his lifetime. The artist’s work consists of about 2000 paintings. He won many awards and was exhibited across Europe.

Achenbach served a tenure as a Professor of Landscape Painting at the Dusseldorf Art Academy. The artist died in his hometown, a day before his 78th birthday, on the 1st of February, 1905.

What was Oswald Achenbach Known For?

Oswald Achenbach was known for painting scenic landscapes. Oswald’s depictions of the Bay of Naples, Venice, and Rome are particularly famous. Achenbach veered off traditional methods and focused on more colorful renditions highlighting lighting and historical architecture.