Life and Academic Career
Manfred Henninger was a German painter, draftsman, graphic artist, ceramicist, and university teacher. Born in Backnang, Germany, he studied at the Stuttgart Academy of Art from 1920 to 1928 under Robert Poetzelberger, Christian Landenberger, and Heinrich Altherr, and also studied in Dresden with Oskar Kokoschka. Following a period of travel to Italy, Ibiza, and the Ticino, he was appointed to the State Academy of Fine Arts Stuttgart in 1949. He served as the head of the painting class for landscape and portraiture until 1961, later serving as the academy's rector from 1955 to 1957 and as prorector for two years.
His teaching career was a significant part of his life, and he noted that evaluating the work of his students helped determine the assessment of his own works. Among his notable students were:
Artistic Style and Recognition
The works of Manfred Henninger frequently revolve around the themes of the human figure and landscape, which can be described as late-impressionistic. His artistic output included oil paintings, watercolors, pastels, drawings, prints, and ceramics. Throughout his career, he received several honors, including membership in the German Artists' Association and the Grand Federal Cross of Merit.
His exhibitions have been held in various locations, including the Staatliche Kunsthalle Berlin and the Museum im Kleihues-Bau Kornwestheim. He was also honored with the Hans-Thoma Prize in 1985.
