Rinteln an der Weser 1838 – 1911 Düsseldorf
German Painter
The Call of the Stag
Christian Johann Kröner was born on 3 February 1838 in Rinteln an der Weser, Germany, and died on 16 October 1911 in Düsseldorf. Active mainly in Düsseldorf during the second half of the 19th and early 20th centuries, he became renowned as a painter of hunting scenes, animals, forest landscapes, and atmospheric rural views.
Originally trained as a decorative painter, Kröner devoted himself entirely to fine art from 1861 onwards. Encouraged by the painter L.-H. Becker, he moved to Düsseldorf, where he continued his artistic development through intensive study of nature. Although largely self-taught, he absorbed the artistic traditions of the Düsseldorf School and developed a highly personal approach to landscape painting.
Kröner travelled extensively throughout Germany, along the North Sea coast, and to Paris, gathering inspiration from different regions and environments. He was particularly drawn to the forests of the Teutoburg Forest, the Harz Mountains, and the landscapes of Rügen. Nature became the central theme of his oeuvre, especially the quiet poetry of woodland scenes, where he captured the harmony between wildlife and its surroundings.
His paintings are characterised by a refined observation of nature, carefully constructed compositions, atmospheric effects, and a distinctive use of colour. His hunting scenes and depictions of animals reveal both his technical precision and his deep understanding of animal behaviour. Alongside oil paintings, Kröner also produced numerous drawings and watercolours. He had a particular interest in graphic arts, photography, and reproduction techniques, creating woodcuts and etchings of animals and landscapes. His Düsseldorf studio attracted many visitors and was highly regarded among artists and collectors.
Kröner achieved considerable recognition during his lifetime. He was awarded gold medals at the Berlin Exhibitions of 1876 and 1879 and received a large medal at the London exhibition in 1879. He became a member of the Berlin Academy and was appointed professor by royal decree. In 1900, he participated in the prestigious Exposition Universelle in Paris, further confirming his international reputation.
Today, works by Christian Johann Kröner are held in numerous private collections worldwide and in important public institutions, including:
- Berlin, Germany – Autumn Landscape
- Wrocław (Breslau), Poland – Snowy Weather and two forest landscapes
- Düsseldorf, Germany – two landscapes
- Hamburg, Germany – Auf den Brun Platz
- Kaliningrad, Russia – Roe Deer in the Forest
- Leipzig, Germany – In the Days of Passion
- Liège, Belgium – Deer at Bay
Christian Johann Kröner remains recognised as one of the notable German landscape and animal painters of his generation. His works continue to be appreciated for their atmospheric depth, naturalistic observation, and poetic interpretation of the forests and wildlife that inspired him throughout his career.
