HERKOMER, HunERT vox (1849—). A genre and portrait painter and etcher of the English school. Ile was born at Waal, near Landsberg. Bavaria, May 26, 1849. His family emigrated to the United States in 1851, but returned to England in 1857. Herkomer's early life was a struggle with poverty and ill health. He evinced early talent for painting, and in 1365 lie studied under Echtler in Munich. In 1806 he studied at South Kensington under Frederick Walker, whose influence is evident in his early works. In 1870 he removed to London, where he soon be came famous as an illustrator for the London Graphic, as well as for his painting. Ho was an excellent water-colorist, and became a member of the Royal Society in 1871, but was not made an Academician until 1890. In 1873 he settled at Bushy, Hertfordshire, where in I881 he estab lished an art school, in which various branches of art besides painting were practiced. In 1882 he visited America, painting a number of por traits and delivering lectures in New York and Boston; he came again in 1883, and in 1885 he opened a studio in Boston. From 1885 until 1895 he was Made professor of fine arts. Oxford, sueceeding John Ruskin. Ills lectures before the university were published under the title Etching and ble-zzotint in Engraving (London, 1392). lle has been the recipient of many honors in European countries, and has taken three gold medals.
Ilerkomer's work includes not only oil and water-color painting, but also excellent etchings. lie has worked successfully in various branches of applied art. such as wood-carving, wrought-iron
work, and architecture, and has also figured as a playwright. actor, magazine writer, musical composer, and singer. llis paintings arc excel lent in drawing and good in color. The hest known of them is the "Last Muster," which took the grand medal of honor at the Paris Exposition of 1878. It represents time veterans of Chelsea at prayer in their chapel. Among his other paintings are: "After the Toil of Day" (1873) ; "Eventide" (187S) : "Life, Light. and Melody" (1879) : "Cod's Shrine" (1880) ; "Der Bittgang" (Bavarian peasants praying for harvest) ; and "Pressing to the \Vest" (1884), representing the arrival of emigrants at Castle Garden; "Gather ing in the Charter House:" "The Magistracy of Landshut" (1893), which he presented to his native town. his portraits are marked by strong characterization and excellent technique. The best include: The "Lady in White," which took the medal of honor at the Berlin Exposition in MG; the "Lady in Black" (an American girl) ; the artist's father, Lorenz Herkomer. in the series "Makers of My House ;" Wagner (1878) : Ruskin (1881) ; Browning; Tennyson; Archibald Forbes 11842) ; and Hans Richter (1883). Among his best-known water-colors are: "1m Waldo:" "The Wood Cutter's Rest ;" "The Poacher's Fate ;" and "At the Well." Consult: The articles on "Iferkomer," by Dafforne, in the Art Journal (ISSO) ; Courtney, Art Annual (1892).