Born as the son of Jewish traders in Hettstedt, near Halle (Saale), in 1872, Hans Michaelson first studied under Ludwig Schmid-Reutte in Leipzig, followed by the Berlin Academy, primarily under Friedrich Kallmorgen. From 1912 until 1930, he regularly took part in the “Juryfreie Kunstschau Berlin” (J.K.B) exhibitions and, together with August Gaul and Benno Berneis, showcased works in the renowned art salon of Paul Cassirer in 1914.

Influences of the street and vaudeville scenes of the Expressionists, the vibrant colors of the Fauves and Henri Matisse, the Neoimpressionism of Camille Pissarro, and especially Vincent Van Gogh, can be found in Michaelson’s work.

However, his style was always quietly present. He painted what he ...