Boyhood art (1922-29)

1922

Age 12

Train Wreck in Riedlingsdorf

"While still a boy -- I lived through a major flood, a bursting dam, a deluge, storms, cyclones, twisters, wagons turned over, rooftops blown off and then a train wreck -- among other disasters. All of this left an indelible impression -- and Inflexibly influenced my artistic expression." Gustav Rehberger

Reidlingsdorf Train Wreck - Original Photo.jpeg

Reidlingsdorf Train Wreck - Colorized Photo by Mario Unger.jpeg

Original black & white photo taken at the scene of the train wreck by Austrian newspaper Burgenlandische Freiheit on July 22, 1922. A colorized version by Mario Unger, Photographer & Photoshop Artist from the Austrian Burgenland.

1924

Age 14

boy wins scholarshipS & MORE

The Rehberger family emigrated from Austria to Chicago in 1923 when Gustav was 13. Just one year later, at age 14, Rehberger began studying at the Art Institute of Chicago on a scholarship that continued for three years.

1924 - Chicago - Painting Scene from Memory of Riedlingsdorf

1924 - Mozart School playground, Chicago

Rehberger 1926 Wins Drawing Contest 1926 Unknown newspaper clipping.JPG

While still a teenager, he was also on scholarship at The Art Instruction Schools, Minneapolis. After declining two college scholarships, he worked as a graphic designer and illustrator to help support his family during the Depression. From 1929-1931, he was Art Director at Reuben H. Donnelly Corporation in Chicago, publishers of telephone directories.