Ferdinand Max Bredt

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Ferdinand Max Bredt (1860–1921) was a German painter known for his Orientalist scenes, especially depictions of women. Often signing as F. M. Bredt, he became one of Germany’s leading Orientalist artists.

Born in Leipzig in 1860, Bredt first trained as a book dealer before turning to art. He studied at the School of Art in Stuttgart and then in Munich with Wilhelm Lindenschmit the Younger. He traveled widely to Greece, Italy, Turkey, and Tunisia, creating many works in oil and watercolor.

Bredt’s paintings frequently feature female subjects set in exotic locations, interiors, or courtyards. He was fascinated with Oriental architecture, and he built his house and studio in Ruhpolding in an Arabian style. His work was shown in Paris, Berlin, Chicago, and London, and two of his paintings represented Germany at the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition. Today he is less well known, but he was highly regarded during his lifetime.