Anton Gág

Anton Gág (1859–May 22, 1908) was a well known Bohemian-American painter, famous for his portraits, still lifes, landscapes and murals. He was born in 1859 in Walk, Bohemia and died in 1908 in New Ulm, Minnesota. Anton spent most of his working life in Minnesota.

Biography

Anton was born in Walk, Bohemia, a province of the Austro-Hungarian Empire which is now in the Czech Republic, Anton Gág seemed to fit the stereotype of the Bohemian artist--always poor, pursuing a talent that did not bring in much money, allowing his children much freedom, and non-conforming in his personal behavior. Indeed his life and art were formed by the liberal humanist values of the German-Bohemian culture.

Anton came to the United States and settled in a German town in southern Minnesota called New Ulm. Here he raised his family in the German customs. The children were only permitted to speak German in the home.

His most famous child was Wanda Gág. Wanda later moved to New Jersey where she became an internationally known author and artist.

Anton died in New Ulm in 1908 from tuberculosis at the young age of 49.

Gág Family Home

The Queen Anne home built by Anton Gág for his family is open for public touring in New Ulm, Minnesota. Some murals he painted can be viewed on the dining room ceiling of the house.

The house where the Gág family lived is now dedicated to the story of this family, showing examples of their art and the way of life in those years. The exterior of the house has been painted to show the colors that were used when the Gágs lived there. The interior is also being restored to that time period. The process has uncovered detailed, decorative hand-painting done by the Gágs, on walls throughout the home.

The Wanda Gág House is located at 226 N. Washington, New Ulm, Minnesota.