10 Classical Portraits Cloaked In Baroque Extravagance By Volker Hermes

Classical portraiture has captivated audiences for centuries, showcasing the refinement and depth of past societies. But when German artist Volker Hermes infuses these portraits with his own surreal, baroque opulence, they take on a new life entirely. Through his series Hidden Portraits, which he began in 2007, Hermes uses digital manipulation to obscure and elaborate upon classical portraits, rendering them nearly unrecognizable yet strikingly familiar. In his work, faces are hidden behind extravagant coverings, ornate masks, and absurd embellishments that draw viewers in with a blend of mystery and excess. Here, we explore ten of Hermes’ portraits and gain insight from his recent interview with DeMilked. In an interview with DeMilked, Hermes shared that the Hidden Portraits series began over a decade ago, in 2007, and has since become a central part of his artistic expression. “I started with the Hidden Portraits about 2007/2008 and have been working on them continuously since then, alongside my painting,” he explained. For Hermes, the series is more than an artistic experiment; it is a way to explore themes like “individuality, the image of the self, equality, diversity, and much more” within the context of historical art. His goal is to bridge past and present, presenting a modern interpretation of art created by societies “that had very different ideals than we have today.”

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Image source: Volker Hermes

As a contemporary artist, Hermes is deeply moved by historical works. “Historical art really talks to me. Whenever I looked at these old paintings, I wanted to work with them and was looking for a way and a form,” he shared. However, instead of creating painted replicas, he found a unique method to bring these pieces to life. “Digital image editing gives me that opportunity, because I don’t want to imitate historical portraits by painting them again (which I think is really senseless).” By using digital manipulation, Hermes is able to infuse these classical works with a new, imaginative narrative that complements, rather than recreates, their original essence.

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Image source: Volker Hermes Hermes describes his process as highly detailed, starting with a close examination of the portrait’s elements. “I look closely at photos of portraits — looking at them is very important,” he said, detailing how he studies each piece, from clothing and interiors to the smallest accessories. He then digitally alters the portraits by rearranging their elements, using only parts of the original image. “I use image processing to take individual elements of the painting itself and put them together to form head coverings or strange, absurd things that cover the face,” he explained. This process, he says, “irritates the viewer and challenges him to look at old art in a completely new way, with thoughts on current discourses.”

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Image source: Volker Hermes Hermes’ work has gained widespread acclaim, and he recently released a book that delves into his Hidden Portraits series, exploring the themes and thought processes behind his art. “An important project this year is my first worldwide book about the Hidden Portraits, which was published this fall,” he shared, adding that it includes essays by an art historian and a philosopher, who provide deeper insights into his work. “This book can be bought wherever books are available,” he noted, inviting readers to explore his work in both visual and philosophical depth.

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Image source: Volker Hermes

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Image source: Volker Hermes

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Image source: Volker Hermes

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Image source: Volker Hermes

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Image source: Volker Hermes

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Image source: Volker Hermes Through his Hidden Portraits, Volker Hermes invites us to reconsider the role of identity, individuality, and the depiction of self within art. His work disrupts our understanding of classical portraiture by transforming it into a conversation between history and modernity. With his unique artistic voice, Hermes allows us to look at the familiar with fresh eyes, challenging assumptions about identity and representation in a world that continues to evolve.