Press Room Shopping Cart Login Club History Artist's Life Goebel History Home > Member's Lounge > History > Artist's Life Artist's Life Sister Maria Innocentia Hummel M.I. Hummel figurines were born in Germany in the year 1935. But their origins go back even further, to rural Bavaria in the early years of the century, where a talented girl was growing up -- a girl named Berta Hummel. She was a whirlwind of youthful energy, creative from her earliest days. This merry child of whimsy was born in 1909, the third of six brothers and sisters. The Hummel family lived in the tiny village of Massing, above the family general store. The bustling village, with its brimming shop windows and cobblestoned, carriage-filled streets was a place of enchantment for an observant child. And the rolling Bavarian farmland beyond became a part of Berta's being. In this fertile environment, Berta's imagination grew. And an early and exceptional artistic talent blossomed. Berta's strict Catholic education began at age six. The Sisters in the one-room, country schoolhouse were amazed by her artistic ability. Her quick, perceptive sketches won her the attention and admiration of her classmates. When she reached age 12, a teacher recommended that Berta be sent to the Institute of English Sisters, Marienhoehe, a 20-mile journey. This boarding school was an excellent place for Berta to begin formal artistic training -- and a huge financial burden for the Hummel family. But Berta's father -- himself an artist forced for financial reasons to abandon his dream -- was determined to give his daughter the chance he never had. At Marienhoehe, Berta's art was encouraged, tempered with strict discipline and a touch of religious inspiration. Berta thrived under the tutelage of Sister Stephania, learning to work with watercolors and pastels. Before long, the idyllic days at Marienhoehe came to an end. Berta was a young woman of 18, ready to make her way in the world. It was decided that her talent needed further development in a professional atmosphere beyond what rural Bavaria could provide. She was bound for Munich. Student Days in Munich In 1927, Munich was a magnet for artists, a center of modern design in Germany. At the Academy of Applied Arts, Berta studied in the traditional manner -- anatomy, portraiture, still life, landscapes, even fashion sketches. Berta produced impressive work while a student in Munich. But she never stopped sketching scenes of her Massing childhood -- caricatures of Bavarian children going about their lives with innocence and joy. In Munich, Berta became quieter, more introspective. Although well-liked, she shied away from raucous student life, preferring the structured yet comforting atmosphere of the Catholic dormitory where she made her home. Berta befriended two Franciscan Sisters -- Laura and Kostka - who had come to Munich to train as art teachers. Berta grew quite close to these friends. She borrowed and eagerly studied their Franciscan Book of Rules. Her future suddenly began to crystalize. In the Spring of 1931, Berta Hummel graduated at the very top of her class. She was invited to stay and teach at the Academy, but turned the offer down. After graduation, Berta entered the Convent of Siessen, determined to devote her life and her art to the service of God. The Convent of Siessen Deep in the German countryside, on land hallowed as a Convent for seven centuries, Berta passed through the gates of her new home. The rich scent of overturned earth was in the air as the Sisters set about spring planting. Siessen was a self-supporting Convent founded by the Dominicans in the year 1259. In 1860, the Convent passed to a Franciscan Order dedicated to teaching and supportive of the arts. Outside the Convent, Europe was seething with anger and change. But within the ancient walls of Siessen, life was serene. Berta joined a community of about 250 Franciscan Sisters primarily involved in teaching. As a novice, Berta was required to perform nearly every duty in the Convent, from baking bread to scrubbing floors. She designed exquisite vestments and altar clothes which were sewn in the Convent workshop. Most important, she was allowed the freedom to pursue her own artwork. In the quiet of the Convent, Berta painted masterful religious works. But as always, she continued sketching children. She was surrounded by children most every day, for she taught art at St. Anna, a girls school in nearby Saulgau. The merry young novice won the hearts of her pupils. It became a tradition among Saulgau families to have Berta Hummel paint their children's portraits. After a time, Berta began to regard Siessen as her home. In 1931, her novitiate complete, she committed the remainder of her life to her faith. She took the name Maria Innocentia and received her black veil and the ring which symbolized her marriage to Christ and the Church. Sister Hummel's artwork was published in books and as art cards. The proceeds supported the Convent's teaching and missionary efforts. As the Sister's reputation grew, her artwork found its way to Munich. A Historic Partnership Franz Goebel, owner of the renowned porcelain firm, W. Goebel Porzellanfabrik, had an instinct that figurines of children would appeal to Germans hungering for joy during difficult times. When the artwork of Sister Hummel came to his attention, Franz traveled to Munich to see more. He then made a monumental decision -- to create a line of figurines based on the drawings of Sister Maria Innocentia Hummel. A Goebel representative made the first trip to the Convent armed with three sample sculptures. He was well-received by Sister Hummel and returned triumphant. Naturally, some details needed to be ironed out. But in principle, the Convent of Siessen accepted the idea. An exciting period of experimentation followed. The artist recognized that Goebel sculptors needed freedom to interpret her work. Her primary involvement was with color and decoration. She worked closely with Goebel painters to develop a new palette of colors to match her drawings. When everyone was satisfied with the new line, Franz Goebel asked Sister Hummel for sole manufacturing and distribution rights, pledging his personal supervision of the figurines that would bear her name. The artist insisted on further controls of authenticity and decoration. Of course, royalties would go to the Convent of Siessen. An agreement was signed on January 9th, 1935. This date has since been considered the official birthday of M.I.Hummel figurines. There was no better occasion to bring the new line to market than the 1935 Leipzig Spring Fair. Here, important buyers came looking for the most innovative European products. The figurines attracted attention at the show, and the introduction was deemed a success. The M.I. Hummel line grew quickly. Just as Franz' intuition had promised, these joyous representations of childhood seemed to capture the imagination of the public. World War II severely restricted figurine production. But once the war ended, M.I. Hummel figurines continued winning friends all over the world. As the merry figurines appeared once more in shops throughout Germany, they became instantly popular -- especially with American G.I's. Then a cloud drifted onto the horizon. Sister Hummel had contracted a lung ailment which was eventually diagnosed as tuberculosis. Sister Maria Innocentia Hummel passed away on November 6, 1946 at the young age of 37. This was a woman who had never lost the vital spark of youth. With the eyes of an artist she saw a spiritual essence in the life around her and captured it on canvas, simply and honestly, as her gift to the world. Thankfully, the Sister was prolific and left behind a treasure-trove of artwork -- the basis for new M.I. Hummel figurines to this day. Although no one could quite fill her shoes, an Artistic Board was appointed at the Convent of Siessen as guardians of the legacy of Sister Hummel. Everyone at Goebel re-dedicated themselves to the creation of remarkable figurines. They worked with zeal, and with love, to ensure that the world would never forget the name M.I. Hummel. Today, M.I. Hummel figurines are the world's most beloved collectible, a tribute to the spirit of childhood and the talent of a brilliant artist. M.I. Hummel®, Hummel® and M.I. Hummel Club®, in signature and/or block forms, are registered trademarks of Manufaktur Rödental GmbH, Germany. M.I. Hummel figurines, plates and bells are copyrighted products. All products of Manufaktur Rö dental GmbH, Germany, are design-patented and copyright protected, all trademarks are registered. ©2009.