Hierl-Deronco, Otto

A German painter and artist Otto Hierl-Deronco (1859-1935) was known for his landscapes and portraits. Born in Germany, Hierl-Deronco did multiple oils paintings which are auctioned to date. In addition to this, he was also the co-founder of the Munich Secession. Hierl-Deronco grew up as a middle child in Munich, having his ideals shaped by the intellectual and artistic background that ran in his family. Because of his relationships with an Italian family, Otto Hierl-Deronco had frequent contact with Italy, Italians and their culture, having a major impact on his art.

Hierl-Deronco's work was majorly influenced by his companionships. He was friends with Franz von Lenbach and Franz von Stuck. Their impact on Hierl-Deronco's art is clearly visible in the portraits of Pope Pius X, the art that eventually popularized Hierl-Deronco. Also, he was mentored by Wilhelm von Dietz, who taught him about impactful colourism, the concept of paying attention to lighting and how it was extremely crucial.

In 1892, Hierl-Deronco became a co-founder, alongside 96 artists, of the Munich Secession. The Secession held international art exhibitions in the Glaspalast in Munich, among which Hierl-Deronco participated in three exhibitions. After finishing up his research and study in Paris, Hierl-Deronco painted two of his most popular paintings called Capture of Louis XVI. in Varennes and Assault on the Tuileries. The source of his international fame was his Eight Portraits of His Holiness and portraits of Pope Pius. He continued to have solo exhibitions throughout Europe and won multiple awards through his unique approach to painting.

In one of the recent reputed auctions, Hierl-Deronco’s painting had fetched a meritorious high price. Hierl-Deronco lived and was active in Munich, Germany till his death.