14 Facts About Johann Berthelsen

Johann Henrik Carl Berthelsen was an American Impressionist painter, as well as having a career as a professional singer and voice teacher.

Johann Berthelsen was the seventh of seven sons born to Conrad and Dorothea Karen Berthelsen.

Johann Berthelsen's father was a tenor with the Royal Opera and his mother was a nurse.

Johann Berthelsen dropped out of school after the fifth grade and worked in various jobs.

Johann Berthelsen moved to Chicago at age eighteen, planning to pursue a career in theater.

In 1913, Johann Berthelsen moved to Indianapolis to become the head of the voice department at Indianapolis Conservatory of Music.

Johann Berthelsen formed a lifelong friendship with painter Wayman Adams, who was the same age and had studied with William Merritt Chase and Robert Henri.

Adams would paint many portraits of Johann Berthelsen, including a life-sized image of his friend about to go on stage for a concert.

In 1920, Adams and Johann Berthelsen decided to move to New York City to further their careers.

Johann Berthelsen opened a private school of voice in the Rodin Studios building.

Johann Berthelsen continued to pursue art, and in 1925 he was elected to the American Watercolor Society.

Johann Berthelsen joined the Salmagundi Club in 1935 and remained a member until his death.

In 1942 the family moved to rural New Milford, Connecticut, where Johann Berthelsen painted many views of the surroundings.

Johann Berthelsen exhibited his work at the Barbizon-Plaza Galleries, the Allan Rich Gallery, and the Jean Bohne Gallery, among others.