Herman Herzog (German/American, 1832 – 1932), Figure in a Landscape, c. 1910, oil on canvas, 15 13/16 x 19 7/8 in., Gift of Mr. and Mrs. C. Herman Terry, AG.1987.11.1.
A native of the German city of Bremen, Herman Herzog entered the Düsseldorf Academy when he was seventeen. The young artist was attracted to landscape compositions and traveled widely in pursuit of inspiration. During the 1860s, the artist settled in Philadelphia but continued to travel, including regular visits to his son’s home in Gainesville. Herzog created more than 250 Florida views of the lush vegetation between the Suwannee and Homossassa Rivers. This painted record of unspoiled Florida was created for Herzog’s appreciation alone without any audience in mind. Financial success allowed the artist to cease selling his paintings later in life, resulting in a studio collection of nearly 1000 works at the time of his death.
“Herzog’s style combines detail and impressionism. His colors depict the true feeling of nature. The Florida landscape is near and dear to my heart.” – anonymous
Keep an eye out every week for more visitor favorites. We will be highlighting each of the top fifty pieces during our 50th Anniversary year. If you want a more intimate encounter, stop by the museum and see these masterpieces for yourself!
