Hermes's work in a styled room
Hermes portrait
Artist

Hermes

Volker Hermes explores the intersection of social status and vanity through the digital modification of historical works.

860 Works

Works by Hermes

860 pieces

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About Hermes

Hermes receives 20% of every sale

Transparent compensation, always.

Volker Hermes received his formal training at the Kunstakademie Düsseldorf from 1995 to 2002. He is widely recognized for his "Hidden Portraits" series, a project involving the digital manipulation of Old Master paintings. By obscuring the faces of subjects using only the textures and fabrics found within the original compositions, he redirects the viewer's focus to the material details of the work. His practice examines the semiotics of fashion and historical signifiers of wealth. Through these modifications, Hermes explores themes of vanity and the concealment of individuality in portraiture. His work has been featured by the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Christie's, with notable exhibitions in London and Wrocław.

Visual voice

Hermes employs digital manipulation to rework historical portraiture, focusing on the intricate textures of lace, silk, and velvet. His aesthetic centers on the tension between historical wealth and the erasure of the individual, using original elements of the painting to mask the subject.
Hidden PortraitsDigital ManipulationHistorical SemioticsOld Master ReinterpretationsFashion Signifiers
Good to know

Hermes — questions answered

What is the "Hidden Portraits" series?

Volker Hermes uses digital manipulation to obscure the faces of sitters in Old Master paintings using textures and fabrics found within the original works.

Where was the artist trained?

He studied painting at the Kunstakademie Düsseldorf between 1995 and 2002.

What are the central themes of his work?

His practice explores social status, vanity, and the semiotics of fashion, critiquing historical signifiers of wealth and the concealment of individuality.

Where has his work been shown?

His art has been featured by the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Christie's, with exhibitions at the James Freeman Gallery and the National Museum in Wrocław.

What types of work are available in this collection?

The collection includes posters, illustrations, and paintings featuring unique vintage and modern graphics.

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