The Filson Historical Society Digital Projects

A German Family of Photographers

Gunter Family Tree

Paul Günter was born in Hanover, Germany, on June 16, 1857, the son of Hermann and Karoline Günter. The family is able to trace their roots quite a ways back in Germany, as is shown by this family chart provided by the family when the collection was donated to the Filson in 2001.

Prince Ernest Augustus of Hanover with sisters Frederica and Marie, ca. 1855

Photograph of Hanover, likely taken by Herman Gunter, Sr.

Hermann Günter, Sr.

Paul Günter's father, Hermann Günter, was a builder and a professional photographer, who served as the official court photographer to the last King of Hanover, George V of Hanover. Featured here is a photo Hermann Günter took of the children of George V, Prince Ernest Augustus (1845-1923), Princess Frederica (1848-1926), and Princess Marie (1849-1904).

Hermann Günter and family, ca. 1860s

Example of playing with art and photography with a composite work of photography and paint.

Another piece by Hermann Günter, Sr. is this composite work of photography and paint. The image shows Karoline Günter at her writing desk with a photo of Hermann on the table. Their five children at the time and a dog are nearby and at her feet. They are all looking up to see Hermann Günter walk through the door. This legacy of combining art and photography appears in Paul Günter's later work with art photography.

Paul and Johanna Gunter taken at Hermann Gunter's studio in Hannover, 1890.

Portrait of unknown woman, ca. 1890

Paul Gunter Photograph Collection, Filson Historical Society

Back of carte-des-visite from Hermann Günter, Jr.'s studio in Hannover, Germany.

Carte-des-visite of an unknown man taken at Hermann Gunter, Jr.'s studio in Hannover, Germany.

Hermann Günter, Jr.

Paul Günter's older brother, Hermann Günter, Jr., was also a photographer with his own studio in Hannover. Perhaps because of limited opportunity in the family business, Paul Günter immigrated to the United States.