Ponti Art Gallery is interested in buying and selling works
of art by this artist.
Herny Koerner Biography
Henry Koerner, born Heinrich Sieghart Körner on August 28, 1915, in Vienna, Austria, was an Austrian-born American painter and graphic designer renowned for his contributions to Magic Realism and his iconic portrait covers for Time magazine. His life and career were marked by a profound ability to blend the real with the imagined, creating works that were both deeply personal and universally resonant.
Koerner's early life in Vienna was steeped in the arts, influenced by his father's amateur artistic pursuits. Trained in graphic design at Vienna's Graphische Lehr- und Versuchsanstalt, he initially worked in the studio of Viktor Theodor Slama, designing posters and book jackets. However, the political turmoil of the time, specifically Hitler's annexation of Austria in 1938, forced Koerner to flee his homeland. He traveled through Italy, spending time in Milan and Venice, before immigrating to the United States, settling in New York.
In the United States, Koerner began his career as a commercial artist, achieving early success as a poster artist. His notable achievements included winning first prize from the American Society for the Control of Cancer Poster Competition and two first prizes from the Museum of Modern Art's National War Poster competition. His work during this period was characterized by a keen eye for detail and a profound sense of humanity, qualities that would define his later work.
The outbreak of World War II saw Koerner contributing to the war effort through his art. He designed posters for the Office of War Information and the Office of Strategic Services. His poster "Someone Talked" won an award from the Museum of Modern Art. Following the victory in Europe, Koerner was sent to Germany to sketch the Nuremberg trials for the American Military Government, an experience that deeply impacted him.
Koerner's return to Vienna after the war was a turning point in his life and career. He learned that his parents, Leo and Fanny Koerner, and brother Kurt, had died in extermination camps. This tragic discovery spurred him to move beyond commercial illustration and express his personal emotions through painting. His works from this period, such as the memorial portrait "My Parents," show his parents as lonely figures on separate paths in the Vienna Woods, reflecting his profound sense of loss and isolation.
In 1952, Koerner moved to Pittsburgh, where he continued to develop his unique style, integrating elements of Magic Realism and Social Realism. His work during this period was marked by a fascination with the human condition, often exploring themes of identity, memory, and the passage of time. Koerner's portraits, including those of celebrities like Maria Callas and John F. Kennedy for Time magazine, were celebrated for their depth and realism, capturing the essence of his subjects with striking clarity.
Koerner's contributions to the art world were recognized with numerous exhibitions and retrospectives, including those at the Whitney Museum of American Art and the Frick Art Museum in Pittsburgh. His work is in the permanent collections of several museums, attesting to his lasting impact on American art.
Throughout his career, Koerner remained a prolific and versatile artist, masterfully combining the real with the imagined. His work, characterized by a profound sense of humanity and a unique visual language, continues to inspire and captivate audiences. Henry Koerner passed away on July 4, 1991, in St. Pölten, Austria, leaving behind a legacy that endures in the hearts and minds of those who encounter his art.
Herny Koerner Quotes and Sales
of Works
Ponti Art Gallery selects and deals with paintings by the
artist. Upon request, we provide free estimates and
evaluations, communicate prices, quotations, and current
market values.
If you are interested in BUYING or SELLING works by the
artist, contact us immediately.
If you wish to sell or receive an evaluation of the
works:
Send us a frontal photo of the painting, one of the back,
and one of the signature. Also, indicate the dimensions of
the work. Inform us about the purchase origin of the work
and any kind of available documentation (purchase
receipts, certificates of authenticity, publications). One
of our operators will respond to you on the same day. We
guarantee maximum confidentiality and extreme
professionalism.
If you wish to purchase works by the painter: Contact us
and let us know your request. We will inform you about the
available works. We also offer the possibility to
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informed at the beginning of each month about the latest
acquisitions of the art gallery.
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