Etha Richter
Etha Richter was born in Dresden in 1883 and died there in 1977. She was a sculptor, draughtswoman and painter. She became best known for her animal sculptures.
As women were not permitted to study at the Dresden Academy of Fine Arts at that time, Richter spent three years as the first female auditor at the Dresden University of Veterinary Medicine. There, she studied anatomy and observed animals. She also took private sculpture lessons with Robert Diez.
From 1903 onwards, her works were purchased by the Saxon state. Richter primarily created sculptures of animals such as monkeys, dogs, cats and predators. In the 1920s, she taught drawing at the ‘Der Weg’ art school in Dresden.
In 1927, she married the veterinary surgeon and animal anatomist Hans Richter. From 1934 to 1940, she lived with him in Ankara, where she taught animal drawing. After her return to Dresden, she continued to work as an artist and teacher. During the destruction of Dresden in 1945, she lost around 500 works.
Etha Richter died in Dresden in 1977. She is regarded as one of the most significant German animal sculptors of the 20th century.
