Mozart (5236458) - Public domain portrait print

Friedrich Bruckmann was a born in Munich on 28 June 1814. He was the son of Franz Bruckmann, who founded the Bruckmann publishing house in 1801. Friedrich Bruckmann took over the family business in 1848 and under his leadership the company became one of the leading publishers of art books and magazines in Germany. Bruckmann was also an art collector and patron, amassing a significant collection of paintings, sculpture and decorative arts. He was particularly interested in the works of the Munich School, a group of artists who worked in Munich in the late 19th century and were known for their realistic style and use of light and colour. In addition to his publishing and collecting activities, Bruckmann was also involved in the cultural life of Munich. He was a member of the Bavarian Academy of Fine Arts and served as its president from 1877 to 1892. He also supported various cultural institutions and initiatives in Munich, including the building of the Bavarian National Museum. Friedrich Bruckmann died in Munich on 9 January 1898. His legacy lives on through the Bruckmann Verlag, which continues to publish art books and magazines.