Daniel Chodowiecki facts for kids
Daniel Niklaus Chodowiecki (born October 16, 1726 – died February 7, 1801) was a famous German painter and printmaker. He is best known for his many etchings. Daniel Chodowiecki had both Huguenot (French Protestant) and Polish family roots.
He spent most of his life in Berlin, Germany. Later, he became the director of the important Berlin Academy of Art.
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Early Life and Family
Daniel Chodowiecki was born in Danzig (now Gdańsk), a city in Poland. When he was 16, his father passed away. Daniel and his younger brother, Gottfried, then moved to Berlin.
They went to live with their uncle, who helped them get an education. In Germany, Daniel learned about art from a painter named Haid. His brother Gottfried also became a painter.
Daniel married Jeanne Barez, and they had three daughters. Some of his grandchildren also became artists, continuing the family's creative talent.
Becoming a Famous Artist
Daniel soon started earning money from his art. He joined the Berlin Academy in 1764. By 1797, he became the director of the Academy of Arts in Berlin.
He became the most famous German graphic artist of his time. Graphic artists create images using methods like etching or drawing.
His Artworks
Chodowiecki created thousands of etchings. These were usually small pictures. He also made many drawings and paintings.
His art often showed the daily life of people in the middle class. He illustrated many classic books, bringing stories to life with his pictures. He also drew portraits of Polish noble families.
He was interested in history, especially Huguenot and Polish history. He made paintings about these topics too.
What is a Remarque?
Chodowiecki is known for inventing something called a remarque. A remarque is a small sketch or drawing. It is placed outside the main picture on an etching plate.
Artists first used them as little doodles. But Chodowiecki made them special "bonus items" for art collectors.
His Polish Roots
Even though Daniel Chodowiecki lived in Germany, he often spoke about his Polish heritage. He spoke French and German, but he felt a strong connection to Poland.
He once wrote, "I consider it an honour to be a genuine Pole, even though I am now living in Germany." He even had his young son painted in a Polish outfit.
Journey to Danzig
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One of his most famous works is "Journey from Berlin to Danzig" ("Die Reise von Berlin nach Danzig"). He created this book in 1773. It includes many illustrations.
He bought a horse for this trip instead of taking a coach. He wanted to visit his elderly mother and sisters in Danzig. He had not seen them in 30 years.
The book describes and illustrates the towns and people he met. He traveled through Pomerania and Prussia on his way. He only made one more trip to Danzig after this, for his mother's funeral.
Daniel Chodowiecki passed away on February 7, 1801. He is buried in Berlin.
Modern Tributes
In 2020, a short animated film called "Chodowiecki" was made. It is based on his life and art. The film uses Chodowiecki's own graphics. You can watch it online at www.Chodowiecki.com.
See also
In Spanish: Daniel Chodowiecki para niños
