Biography

Biography
1880

Born in Speyer, Germany

1893

Apprenticeship in the father’s painting workshop

1897/1899

Studies at the College of Arts and Crafts (Kunstgewerbeschule) Karlsruhe in the winter months

1900-1905

Studies at the Academy of Fine Arts (Akademie der bildenden Künste) Munich in the winter months, entered the drawing class of Gabriel von Hackl and later the painting class of Franz von Stuck; in the summer months he works in the paternal enterprise

1905

Half-year stay in Berlin, becomes member of the Berlin Secession on the suggestion of Max Liebermann

1906

Move to Paris, where he, among others, makes acquaintance of Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse

1908

Founding of „Académie Matisse“ in Paris: Matisse acts as teacher, Purrmann as chairman, responsible for organization and administration

1914

Return to Germany, forced by the First World War

1935

Is supervised by the Gestapo and has to flee from Germany, the managing board of the „Villa Romana“ Foundation is making sure that Purrmann takes over the management of „Villa Romana“ in Florence

1943

Loss of the apartment in Berlin, death of his brother in Speyer, death of his wife Mathilde Purrmann (born Vollmoeller)

1944

Finds in Montagnola /Tessin a new home, where he, among others, makes acquaintance of Hermann Hesse

since 1950

Temporary returns to Germany, memberships in the Pfälzische Secession and the Deutscher Künstlerbund (also as jury member)

1966

Died in Basel