Bertha Beckmann facts for kids
Bertha Wehnert-Beckmann (born January 25, 1815 – died December 6, 1901) was a German photographer. She is thought to be Germany's first professional female photographer. She might even be the first professional female photographer in the world! She started her work a few years before other famous female photographers like Brita Sofia Hesselius and Geneviève Élisabeth Disdéri. Bertha opened a photography studio in Leipzig with her husband in 1843. After he passed away in 1847, she continued to run the business all by herself.
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Her Life Story
Bertha Wehnert-Beckmann was born in Cottbus, a town in what was then the Kingdom of Prussia. In 1839, she first worked as a hairdresser in Dresden.
In 1840, she met Eduard Wehnert, who would become her husband. He was a photographer. Eduard taught her about the daguerrotype process. This was an early way to take photos using a polished silver surface. He also showed her a new way to add color to photos using glass plates. This method allowed many copies to be made.
Opening a Studio
In 1843, Bertha and Eduard opened their own photography studio in Leipzig. This made her Germany's first known professional female photographer. After her husband died in 1847, Bertha bravely continued to run the business on her own.
In 1849, she traveled to the United States. There, she opened photography studios in New York City. She first had a studio on White Street, then later on Broadway. While in America, she earned an award for her amazing work in portrait photography.
Returning to Germany
Bertha returned to Leipzig in 1851. She handed over her New York business to her brother. In 1866, she moved her studio to Elsterstraße in Leipzig. She had several employees working for her. Her studio became one of the most famous places in the city. Bertha retired in 1883 when she was 68 years old.
Bertha Wehnert-Beckmann mainly used the daguerreotype process for her photos. Her work is now shown at The Leipzig Museum of City History. Her collection is very important for understanding the early history of photography. She always kept up with new photography trends. For example, she learned stereo-photography when it was invented. This allowed photos to appear three-dimensional.
Exhibitions
Bertha Wehnert-Beckmann was one of only two photographers from Saxony to show her work at a big fair in 1854. This was the First German Industrial Fair in Munich. She displayed both daguerreotypes and paper prints. Today, you can see her work at the Stadtgeschichtliches Museum (City Museum) in Leipzig.
Her Photography Style
Bertha's photographs show a special human touch. They also have high technical and artistic quality. She was especially good at taking portraits, which are pictures of people. Her photos of children are some of her most impressive works.
Bertha was always interested in new technology. She also used modern ways to advertise her business. Her great business sense helped her become very successful as a photographer.
Important Works
When Bertha lived in New York, many important people came to her for photos. This included President Millard Fillmore, who was the leader of the United States. She also photographed ambassadors and other politicians.
After returning to Leipzig, she added more famous people to her collection. These included the famous musician Clara Schumann, the composer Johannes Brahms, and important local figures like Franz Dominic Grassi and Karl Heine.
Bertha Wehnert-Beckmann is also known for some of the very first architectural photos of Leipzig. These were taken between 1855 and 1860. Her photos show the city and its buildings before some of them were changed or torn down. For example, she photographed Peter's Gate in 1860 before it was destroyed.
