Hans was born on 11th February 1857. His parents were Adolph Eduard Bohrdt and his wife, Rosalie Pauline Szymkowski. He was one of 7 siblings (Paul Reinhold, Albert Anton, Maria Ann, Clare Antonie, Johanna Antonie and Carl Eduard). His father was a civil servant in the legal department of the Imperial administration.
Hans’s love for the sea began when he was 15 after visiting the port of Hamburg.
Hans was a self-taught artist and he gave private lessons to Kaiser Wilhelm II.
During the First World War, Hans worked as a prominent marine artist and illustrator for propaganda purposes, producing numerous illustrations, postcards and posters throughout the war. His work, which often depicted German naval power and valor, was a key part of the German propaganda machine.
Hans died on 19th December 1945.
Der Letzte Mann (Tr.The Last Man”) - painted by Hans in 1915
Source: Wikipedia
