Herman Wendelborg Hansen. Herman Wendelborg Hansen was a 19th-century artist, well known for his Western-themed paintings featuring horses, cowboys, and the frontier.
Hansen was born in Dithmarschen, Germany. From an early age, he was gifted in art.
His father, a rector and draftsman, encouraged his son's talent, and sent him to Hamburg at the age of 16. Here, Hansen studied battle scenes from the artist, Simmonsen. In 1876, Hansen went to England for school, but was intrigued by the American West.
He was inspired by James Fenimore Cooper's novel, Leatherstocking Tales. The following year, Hansen emigrated to New York City, where he worked as a commercial illustrator.
He eventually moved to Chicago, and studied at the Art Institute of Chicago. In 1879, Hansen received commission from the Northwestern Railways to paint a series of transportation advertisements. He was sent to the Dakotas. He did much traveling throughout the West, South, and North. Hansen visited Montana, Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona, before settling down in San Francisco, California, at the age of 28. After moving to California, Hansen continued to make trips through the Southwest and the Northern Plains. His trips gave him the information to create historically accurate portrayals of the West. Hansen's most famous painting titled, Pony Express, was completed in 1900. Numerous copies have been produced worldwide. Hansen was friends wi
Hansen was born in Dithmarschen, Germany. From an early age, he was gifted in art.
His father, a rector and draftsman, encouraged his son's talent, and sent him to Hamburg at the age of 16. Here, Hansen studied battle scenes from the artist, Simmonsen. In 1876, Hansen went to England for school, but was intrigued by the American West.
He was inspired by James Fenimore Cooper's novel, Leatherstocking Tales. The following year, Hansen emigrated to New York City, where he worked as a commercial illustrator.
He eventually moved to Chicago, and studied at the Art Institute of Chicago. In 1879, Hansen received commission from the Northwestern Railways to paint a series of transportation advertisements. He was sent to the Dakotas. He did much traveling throughout the West, South, and North. Hansen visited Montana, Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona, before settling down in San Francisco, California, at the age of 28. After moving to California, Hansen continued to make trips through the Southwest and the Northern Plains. His trips gave him the information to create historically accurate portrayals of the West. Hansen's most famous painting titled, Pony Express, was completed in 1900. Numerous copies have been produced worldwide. Hansen was friends wi
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