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Ad Code: 4
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An example of work by Rudolph Philipp (R.L.) Laubenheimer
Artwork images are copyright of the artist or assignee
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This biography from the Archives of AskART:
| The following information was provided from family documents in the possession of A.O. Dewing, the only great-grandchild of Rudolph Laubenheimer.
Rudolph Philipp Laubenheimer aka Rudolph Laubenheimer aka R. Laubenheimer aka R.L.
Born July 11, 1833 in Meisenheim-am-Glam, Germany into a family of successful mill owners, he showed early artistic talent and by age 14 he was living in Holland and apprenticed into the engravers trade.
Rudolph arrived by sailing ship into New York City on May 18, 1851. He was 17 years old and resided with an older brother. His first employment was with the engraving firm of John Hoole, Sr.
In 1858 Rudolph opened his own shop at 6 John Street and began his independent career as an engraver, cameo die sinker and medailleur. His career lasted more than five decades. During that time he completed many commissions for businesses, individuals, institutions, exhibitions and governments, including work for the US, Canada, and many countries in Central and South America.
Although he is best known for his medals and Official Seals, Rudolph Laubenheimer also completed many postage commissions. He engraved all of the dies for the US 1870-1871 stamped envelopes (under the USPO contract with George H. Reay). For the 25 years before his death, his client office and studio was located at 241 Broadway, NYC. His wide circle of friends included many of his fellow engravers, medailleurs, musicians and artists.
In his leisure time he pursued his hobbies of painting and music. He was a gifted musician and composer of many instrumental and vocal pieces (unpublished).
Personal life: Rudolph married Henrietta Zimmer of NYC on January 4, 1863. On August 27, 1866 he became a US citizen. He and Henrietta had five children, all sons. Three died in infancy. The fourth son died at age 12, along with Henrietta, during an 1878 Typhoid outbreak in NYC. After his wife's death, Rudolph traveled widely, returning several times to Europe as well as visiting family and friends from Atlanta, Georgia to South America. He never remarried and was survived by one son.
Rudolph Laubenheimer died in NYC on February 25, 1905 as the result of a traffic accident. While out walking on a NYC street he was struck by a horse-drawn freight wagon. He was carried back to his home, a brownstone at 417 51st St. and died several days later.
Rudolph Laubenheimer had a business card, which is a beautiful piece designed to display his skills as an engraver and cameo die sinker. (See image on home page)
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