Biographies

Luigi Kasimir

His etchings have been popular in europe for 40 years, ever since he came to the U.S. to do a series of etchings of the famous sights, from the New York skyscrapers to the imposing scenery of Yosemite Valley. Luigi Kasimir was born in 1881 in the town of Pettau, at that time a part of the Austro-Hungarian monarchy.

He attended the Vienna Academy of Art which was to be of twofold importance to him: first, he studied under William Unger, who gave Kasimir his first introduction to the technique of the colored etching. Secondly, he met Tanna Hoernes, who became his wife.

Luigi inherited his talent from his ancestors, as did his son, Robert; his grandfather was a painter and poet, and his father an officer in the Hapsburg army, who later became a professional painter.

As for Kasimir's technique: black and white etchings had been popular for hundreds of years, but Luigi Kasimir was among the first to develop the technique of the color etching. Before him, etchings were usually hand colored, with the color being applied in a sloppy haphazard manner, or color etchings were printed from one plate.

Luigi Kasimir first did a sketch from nature, usually in pastel.

Then he transferred the design by hand on as many as four to six plates, printing one after the other by hand, applying the color on the plate by hand. The finished etching is a true original.

Mr. Kasimir died in 1962 in Grinzig, a suburb of Vienna.

His wife, Tanna Kasimir-Hoernes, was an accomplished artist in her own right. Her technique as well as subject matter is, naturally, similar to Luigi's after having worked with him for so many years.

Tanna Kasimir-Hoernes

The wife of Luigi Kasimir, born in 1887, became also an accomplished artist. To the admirers of the Kasimir technique her etchings are as familiar as those of Luigi. During her early years her style differed through contrast-rich lines and sparing application of color. in the later etchings the strong influence of Luigi becomes apparent in such scenes as New York, Central Park and St. Florian.

Her five visits to the United States with Luigi resulted in countless sketches, drawings, and watercolors, a large number of which were given their final form on the copper plate. The most popular of these etchings, together with many European scenes are shown on these pages.

Mrs. Tanna Kasimir-Hoernes died 1972 in Vienna.

Robert Kasimir

Robert Kasimir, son of Luigi and Tanna inherited the talent of his famous parents. His technique as well as subject matter is, naturally, similar to that of his father. Using the Pseudonym F. O. Robert to sign his early etchings he established his own position in the artistic community and only after success came signed his work Robert Kasimir. His outstanding etchings are the logical continuation of the Kasimir technique and family tradition. He studied first at the Institute of Technology and then at the Art Academy in Philadelphia.

In 1961 he opened his own artwork printing shop where he printed both his own etchings and those of his father Luigi and his Mother Tanna.

Mr. Robert Kasimir died 2002 in Vienna.