Heinrich Zille

"School", by Zille

Rudolf Heinrich Zille (January 10, 1858 - August 9, 1929), German illustrator and photographer, was born in Radeburg near Dresden, as the son of watchmaker Johann Traugott Zill (Zille since 1854) and Ernestine Louise (born Heinitz). In 1867, his family moves to Berlin, where he finishes school in 1872 and starts an apprenticeship as a lithographer.

In 1883, he marries Hulda Frieske, with whom he will have three children. She died in 1919.

Zille became best known for his (often funny) drawings, catching the characteristics of people, especially "stereotypes", mainly from Berlin.