Rudolf Hirth du Frênes: A Quiet Master of German Realism Rudolf Hirth du Frênes (24 July 1846, Gräfentonna, near Gotha – 1 May 1916, Miltenberg) stands as a testament to the understated brilliance of German Realist painting during the late nineteenth century. Born in Gräfentonna, a town nestled close to Gotha, he adopted his mother’s maiden name for professional pursuits—a practice common amongst artists of the time—reflecting a dedic…