John and Gertrud Heartfield, Chiaveri, Italy. A pine cone replaces the usual camera in the artist’s hand.
L-R: The curator of the Exhibition, John J Heartfield, with two beloved members of his family: his uncle, Zio Mario, and his adopted grandmother, Gertrud Heartfield, in Sestri Levante, Italy, circa 1960.
John and Gertrud Heartfield enjoying a boat ride courtesy of a family friend in Liguria, Italy. In the background (left) is the curator’s cousin, Aldo. Aldo died as young man in a motorino accident and is fondly remembered by our family.
John Heartfield Family Photos
These are rare photos of John Heartfield’s family. The antifascist activist artist was a loving father, brother, husband, and grandfather. The German Dada genius tried to remain close to his family, even as he was on the run from The Third Reich. His life was hard. His art never earned him a comfortable living. He depended on his family, especially his only son, Tom, for financial support throughout his tumultuous life. But he had an important advantage. It was easy for everyone in his family to love and respect him.The John Heartfield Exhibition presents never-before-published photos of the antiwar activist artist as a dedicated family man in John Heartfield in The John J Heartfield’s Collection.
Explore these in photos to find out Heartfield family members contributed to his personal and professional life. More family member photos will be added as the Exhibition grows.