Research

Over 50 years ago, Martin Kodner of St. Louis, Missouri began a lifelong passion for collecting fine art—an endeavor that sparked his deep appreciation and early scholarly research on the great German/American artist Charles Ferdinand (Carl) Wimar (1828–1862) and the renowned American painter and native St. Louisan, Oscar Edmund Berninghaus (1874–1952). A member of the Appraisers Association of America and a recognized expert on both artists, Kodner devoted decades to assembling detailed documentation, ultimately laying the foundation for the first-ever comprehensive Wimar and Berninghaus Cataloging Projects.

Today, Martin’s sons, Jonathan and David Kodner—owners of Kodner Gallery in St. Louis—are continuing and expanding this ambitious undertaking. Through ongoing research, the Kodners are compiling extensive biographical and documentary material (including photographs, letters, and correspondence), fine artworks (drawings, oil paintings, and watercolor/gouache works), and commercial material (advertising art, commissioned pieces, and illustrations) representing the full lifetime and oeuvre of each artist.

The cataloging projects will present an illustrated, scholarly listing of known works housed in private and public collections worldwide, supplemented by documentation gathered from both public and private sources.

National and international outreach is currently underway to acquire additional works and archival materials related to Charles Ferdinand (Carl) Wimar and Oscar Edmund Berninghaus.

Owners of artwork or supporting materials are encouraged to contact Jonathan or David Kodner at 314.993.4477 | 800.993.4478.

You may also text us at 314.514.4343, or email info@kodnergallery.com, or click here.