Theodor, Peter, Karl Janssen - generational family of German artists.

Tamme Weyert Theodor Janssen, a farmers’ son was born in the German village of Jübberde in 1816. Theodor Janssen gave up his occupation as a copper engraver and became a teacher of drawing at the Düsseldorf Luisen School in 1867. Laura Hasenclever (b. 1822 in Düsseldorf d.1889) and Theodor Janssen had three sons: Peter, Theodor and Karl. Laura had a brother, Johann Peter Hasenclever (1810-1853) who painted the portrait of Laura in 1837. Almost blind, Theodor died in 1894.

Children of Theodor and Laura Janssen
(1) (Johann) Peter (Theodor) Janssen (1844 - 1908). At the age of 15 Peter started his education as a painter at the Düsseldorf Academy of Arts. In 1895 he reached the peak of his academic career being named Director of the Academy of Arts in Düsseldorf.
(2) Theodor was born in 1846. Unfortunately little is known about him. He became an architect.
(3) Karl Janssen (b. 1855 d. 1927). Karl had a successful career as sculptor . He was appointed professor for sculpting at the Dusseldorf Academy of Arts.

Grandchildren of Theodor and Laura Janssen
(1.1) Peter Janssen, born in 1874, practiced at the Medical Academy. . In 1904 the young doctor married Martha Leiffmann, daughter of Moritz Leiffmann. Martha served as Secret Commercial Advisor and Banker as well as deputy to the town council. Shortly after the First World War Peter Janssen was appointed Professor specializing in surgery and urology.
(3.1) Gerda Janssen married the Dusseldorg industrialist Dr. Hugo Henkel in 1908.

Great Grandchildren of Theodor and Laura Janssen
(1.1.1) Peter Janssen (March 29, 1906 in Bonn - 1979 Berlin) Prolific and gifted painter, he was prohibited from painting and exhibiting his work during the Nazi regime. Arrested and sent to concentration camp, he escaped. In 1930 he marries his first wife Inga, Ida, Marie Rodmann. Peter becomes a teacher and professor at the Academy of Fine Arts in Berlin.

Click on left picture to see a multi media presentation with many pictures and background information presented by Stephan Kotthaus; Peter Janssen's grandson.

©Images used with permission.

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