Today in Wheeling History: October 29—Felix Lieftuchter, renowned church muralist who created vibrant frescoes and intricate designs for St. Joseph’s Cathedral in Wheeling, born in Cincinnati, Ohio (1882).
Felix Bernard Lieftuchter was born on October 29, 1882, in Cincinnati, Ohio, to German immigrant parents. He became a prominent artist and church muralist, known for his work in various churches across the United States. Lieftuchter's artistic journey began in Germany, where he studied at the Akademie der Bildenden Künste in Munich under the tutelage of Karl von Marr and Franz von Stuck. He also traveled to Rome and other parts of Europe to study church decorations.
Lieftuchter's work is characterized by its flat and graphic style, often seen in his church decorations. One of his notable projects includes the murals at St. Joseph's Cathedral in Wheeling, West Virginia. His contributions to the cathedral's interior include vibrant frescoes and intricate designs that enhance the Romanesque architecture of the building. These murals were carefully restored during a major renovation in 1996.
Throughout his career, Lieftuchter collaborated with architects like John T. Comes and worked on various church projects, including the Cathedral of the Madeleine in Salt Lake City, Utah, and Holy Rosary Cathedral in Toledo, Ohio. He spent his later years in Mexico City, where he continued his work in portraiture.
Felix Lieftuchter passed away in 1972, leaving behind a legacy of beautiful church art that continues to inspire and captivate.
To learn more: Ohio County Public Library, Wheeling WV (https://shorturl.at/cUkEs); Wikipedia (https://shorturl.at/yo11x) (https://shorturl.at/mdbph), EWTN (https://shorturl.at/eo9cV)
Photo credits: Wikimedia Commons
Felix Bernard Lieftuchter was born on October 29, 1882, in Cincinnati, Ohio, to German immigrant parents. He became a prominent artist and church muralist, known for his work in various churches across the United States. Lieftuchter's artistic journey began in Germany, where he studied at the Akademie der Bildenden Künste in Munich under the tutelage of Karl von Marr and Franz von Stuck. He also traveled to Rome and other parts of Europe to study church decorations.
Lieftuchter's work is characterized by its flat and graphic style, often seen in his church decorations. One of his notable projects includes the murals at St. Joseph's Cathedral in Wheeling, West Virginia. His contributions to the cathedral's interior include vibrant frescoes and intricate designs that enhance the Romanesque architecture of the building. These murals were carefully restored during a major renovation in 1996.
Throughout his career, Lieftuchter collaborated with architects like John T. Comes and worked on various church projects, including the Cathedral of the Madeleine in Salt Lake City, Utah, and Holy Rosary Cathedral in Toledo, Ohio. He spent his later years in Mexico City, where he continued his work in portraiture.
Felix Lieftuchter passed away in 1972, leaving behind a legacy of beautiful church art that continues to inspire and captivate.
To learn more: Ohio County Public Library, Wheeling WV (https://shorturl.at/cUkEs); Wikipedia (https://shorturl.at/yo11x) (https://shorturl.at/mdbph), EWTN (https://shorturl.at/eo9cV)
Photo credits: Wikimedia Commons
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