Carl Rungius, America's first successful wildlife painter, was born on August 18, 1869, in Germany. He grew up in Britz, Germany, the fourth of nine children born to Heinrich and Magdalene Rungius. At an early age, Carl developed a passion for hunting and spent much of his time exploring the natural world around him.
As he grew older, Rungius was influenced by the nature-themed artwork of the German painter Richard Friese. He decided to pursue his passion for art and attended the Berlin Art Academy, where he received formal training in painting. During his time at the academy, Rungius made frequent trips to the Berlin Zoo, where he sketched various animals and honed his skills as an artist.
Rungius eventually made his way to the United States in the late 1890s, where he quickly gained recognition for his realist oil paintings of wildlife. His work, such as "Wary Game" (1909) and "The Days of Bison Millions" (1917), captured the beauty and majesty of North America's wildlife in stunning detail. Rungius' talent and dedication to his craft earned him numerous artistic honors, including the Corcoran Gallery of Art's 1924 Popular Prize, a 1929 Salters Medal, and a 1926 Carnegie Prize.
While living in the United States, Rungius married his cousin Louise Fulda. The couple settled down and made a life together, with Rungius continuing to paint and showcase his work to a growing audience. Throughout his career, Rungius maintained a close relationship with his artistic patrons, including United States President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who admired and supported his work.
Carl Rungius passed away on October 21, 1959, leaving behind a legacy as one of America's most beloved wildlife painters. His stunning depictions of North America's wildlife continue to captivate audiences and inspire future generations of artists to this day.
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