Hans Prinzhorn (6 June 1886 – 14 June 1933) was a German psychiatrist and art historian.
Born in Hemer, Westphalia, he studied art history and philosophy at the University of Vienna, receiving his doctorate in 1908. He then went to England to receive voice training, as he planned to become a professional singer. He later received training in medicine and psychiatry, serving as an Army surgeon during World War I.
In 1919 he became assistant to Karl Wilmanns at the psychiatric hospital of the University of Heidelberg. His task was to expand an earlier collection of art created by the mentally ill and started by Emil Kraepelin. When he left in 1921 the collection was extended to more than 5,000 works by about 450 "cases".
In 1922 he published his first and most influential book, Bildnerei der Geisteskranken. Ein Beitrag zur Psychologie und Psychopatologie der Gestaltung (The plastic activity of the mentally ill. A contribution to the psychology and psychopathology of formal configuration), richly illustrated with examples from the collection. While his colleagues were reserved in their reaction, the art scene was enthusiastic. Jean Dubuffet was highly inspired by the works, and the term Art Brut was coined.
The book is mainly concerned with the borderline between psychiatry and art, illness and self-expression. It represents one of the first attempts to analyse the work of the mentally ill.
After short stays at sanatoriums in Zurich, Dresden and Wiesbaden, he began a psychotherapy practice in Frankfurt in 1925, but without much success. He continued to write books, and a half dozen were published in his lifetime. His hopes to find a permanent position at a university were never fulfilled. Disillusioned by professional failures, and after three failed marriages, he moved in with an aunt in Munich and retreated from public life, making a living from giving lectures and writing essays. He died in 1933 in Munich of typhus.
Shortly after his death the Prinzhorn Collection was stowed away in the attics of the university. In 1938 a few items were displayed in the Nazi propaganda exhibition Entartete Kunst ("Degenerate Art"). Since 2001 the collection has been on display in a former oratory of the University of Heidelberg.
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Some of their strengths
Hans Prinzhorn has many admirable traits.
Based on spiritual traditions from around the world, they are someone who can be described as Energetic, Optimistic, Organized, Intelligent, Passionate, Communicative, and Curious.
Charming and Quick-witted
According to Mysticism’s Astrology tradition, Hans Prinzhorn is someone who is a charming, quick-witted, and energetic person who combines passion and intelligence with an ability to feel what others are feeling and to effectively communicate with them. A person who is ambitious and motivated.
Helpful and Supportive
Based on Daoism’s Ba-Zi or ‘Chinese Zodiac’ tradition, people who know Hans Prinzhorn well know them as someone who can be accepting, supportive, and productive, like a garden.
Independent and Organized
According to Hinduism’s Jyotisha or ‘Vedic Astrology’ tradition, many would also describe Hans Prinzhorn as someone who is independent, organized, inventive, and generous.
A person who is curious and a loves learning, who seems to always know what to say, who has an optimism that can overcome any difficult situation, and who seems to be able to master almost any skill.
Stable and Creative
Based on the Mayan Tzolk’in or ‘Mayan Astrology’ tradition, Hans Prinzhorn is someone who thrives in volatile situations, and who tends to be a source of stability and comfort for others who are experiencing challenging times .
They are also someone who is mysterious, intuitive, and diplomatic, and who has a keen intuition, charisma, and a focus on balance and partnership.
Logical and Reasonable
According to Judaism’s Kabbalah tradition, Hans Prinzhorn tends to be someone who is understanding, logical, and reasonable. Who can be intellectual and intuitive, speak the truth at any cost, be witty and sociable, and live life to its fullest.
Some of Hans Prinzhorn's challenges
While Hans Prinzhorn has many strengths, nobody is perfect. They also have some challenging traits they need to manage.
For example, Hans Prinzhorn can be Hypocritical, Self-centered, Difficult, Perfectionist, Domineering, Impatient, and Worrying.
Hypocritical and Self-centered
One of Hans Prinzhorn's key challenges is that they are someone who can be perceived as hypocritical and self-centered.
Hans Prinzhorn must also exercise caution as they can be short-tempered and aggressive, and can be excessive and unrealistic.
Domineering and Impatient
Hans Prinzhorn is someone who can be demanding, egotistical, and controlling, can have a lack of judgment regarding personal finances, be argumentative and stubborn, and who can have a tendency to be withdrawn and spend time in self-imposed isolation.
Indecisive and Distracted
Finally, Hans Prinzhorn also can have a hard time staying focused and can easily become restless.
