Otto Kursell

Otto Konstantin Gottlieb von Kursell was a Baltic German painter and graphic artist, ministerial official, member of the Reichstag, director of the State Academy of Fine Arts in Berlin-Charlottenburg, and senator of the Prussian Academy of Arts. Having gained recognition as a master student of Franz von Stuck, Kursell quickly earned a reputation as a portrait painter. After World War I, he lent his talent to antisemitic and anti-communist movements. He published numerous political caricatures targeting Jews, Russians, and communists. He gave inflammatory speeches and actively participated in guard duties against members of the Spartacus League, as well as in field exercises and patrols.