Johann Berthelsen
Encyclopedia
Johann Henrik Carl Berthelsen ( July 25, 1883 – April 3, 1972) was a prominent and prolific American Impressionist painter, noted for his urban scenes. He is most commonly known for his poetic renditions of New York City.
. His paintings were heavily influenced by Guy Carleton Wiggins (February 23, 1883 – April 1962).
, after which he taught voice. In 1913, Berthelsen became head of the voice department at Indianapolis Conservatory of Music. In 1920, Berthelsen opened a private studio in New York City
, where he gave voice lessons. Berthelsen was encouraged to take up painting by Norwegian-American painter Svend Svendsen
.
Background
Johann Henrik Carl Berthelsen was born in Copenhagen, Denmark. At the age of six, he immigrated to America with his parents. He graduated in 1905 from The Music Conservatory of Chicago College of Performing ArtsThe Music Conservatory of Chicago College of Performing Arts
The Music Conservatory was founded in 1867 as the Chicago Musical College, a conservatory whose primary focus was the intensive and rigorous training of young men and women preparing for careers as professional musicians...
. His paintings were heavily influenced by Guy Carleton Wiggins (February 23, 1883 – April 1962).
Career
Following his graduation, he toured the United States and Canada as lead baritone for the Chicago Grand Opera CompanyChicago Grand Opera Company
Two grand opera companies in Chicago have gone by the name Chicago Grand Opera CompanyThe first Chicago Grand Opera Company produced four seasons of opera in Chicago’s Auditorium Theater from the Fall of 1910 through November 1915. It was the first resident Chicago opera company...
, after which he taught voice. In 1913, Berthelsen became head of the voice department at Indianapolis Conservatory of Music. In 1920, Berthelsen opened a private studio in New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
, where he gave voice lessons. Berthelsen was encouraged to take up painting by Norwegian-American painter Svend Svendsen
Svend Rasmussen Svendsen
Svend Rasmussen Svendsen was a Norwegian American impressionist artist. Svendsen is most known for his rural scenes, marine views, and snowy landscapes of Norway.-Background:...
.
Awards
- Albert Erskine Prize for Pastel Art Institute of ChicagoArt Institute of ChicagoThe School of the Art Institute of Chicago is one of America's largest accredited independent schools of art and design, located in the Loop in Chicago, Illinois. It is associated with the museum of the same name, and "The Art Institute of Chicago" or "Chicago Art Institute" often refers to either...
(1928) - Holcombe Prize in IndianapolisIndianapolisIndianapolis is the capital of the U.S. state of Indiana, and the county seat of Marion County, Indiana. As of the 2010 United States Census, the city's population is 839,489. It is by far Indiana's largest city and, as of the 2010 U.S...
(1946)
Related reading
- Leland G. Howard Johann Berthelsen: An American Master Painter, ex. cat. (Sheldon Swope Art Museum: 1988)