Hugo Steiner-Prag

Hugo Steiner-Prag (born Hugo Steiner; December 12, 1880 – September 10, 1945) was a German illustrator, educator and painter, most well known for illustrating the 1915 novel The Golem by Gustav Meyrink. Born in Prague, he spent years earlier teaching at schools in various cities such as Leipzig.

Early life and education Hugo was born on December 12, 1880 in Prague, Austria-Hungary as Hugo Steiner, to parents Hermann and Berta Steiner, and was the fourth youngest son in the family. His father was a book-seller. Her mother claimed to be a descendant of Judah Loew ben Bezalel.

Hugo went and studied at the Prague Academy from 1897 to 1901, and then at the Munich Academy from 1901 to 1902. It was there that he added Prag to his name to distinguish himself from other artists, while also referencing his birth place. Hugo began his career at age 17. After completing his education, Hugo would go and teach in various schools in Munich after moving in 1900. In 1916, he began illustrating for The Golem (1915) by Gustav Meyrink. In 1927, he became the president of the International Exhibition of Book Art. In 1938, Hugo went to Sweden. Hugo escaped the Nazis and moved to the United States after divorcing Paula, where he married a Jewish woman named Eleanor Feisenberger. Hugo died in New York City on September 10, 1945. He was 64.