Born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, the second son of German parents.

The mother moves with her two boys to Hamburg.

Begins to draw. Sees the first big exhibition of Edvard Munch in Hamburg. Inspired by German Expressionism, he joins the painter Schmidt-Rottluff of "Die Bruecke."

Rejects Expressionism. Begins his life-long observation of nature.

Studies painting in Munich, then spends half a year with his father in Haiti.

Hamburg. Studies with H.E.Schnegg, a late German impressionist painter.

Painting trip to Italy with Schnegg and his students. In Florence he decides to leave the group and remain in the city.    

Returns to Hamburg. Renewed attempt to paint in the North.

Paris. Studies Cézanne and the French Impressionists. Meets the sculptor Ludwig Kasper,
who becomes a decisive influence on his art.

Settles down in Florence.

Becomes involved in the dazzling international life of the city. Belongs to
the cultural circle of Maja Winteler-Einstein and Bernard Berenson.

Paints at the Accademia delle Belle Arti in Florence as a student of Felice Carena.

Marries the architect Renate Moenckeberg from Hamburg.

The first students come to his studio. Successful exhibitions in Florence, Milan and Rome until his conscription into the German army.

Paints and teaches in Florence. In the summer he paints either in Venice or Rome, later in the Tuscan Apennines. Develops a personal pastel-technique. Almost yearly one-man shows in Florence, Venice, Rome or Milan. Also in Hamburg (1956, 1972) and Cologne (1957). European and American collectors visit his studio. Over the years, the Pitti Palace acquires five paintings, the Uffizi one drawing and a self portrait.

The Accademia delle Belle Arti in Florence honours him with a retrospective. 

Last major exhibition in Hamburg.

Dies in Florence on July 23 and is buried in the Cimitero degli Allori.

The Palazzo Pitti in Florence organizes a major exhibition of his work (with catalogue) as a document of the Novecento Italiano, the Italian Modern Classic.