Porträtmaler, Painter, Illustrator, Modelleur, b. 1882 - d. 1967

Viktor Hammer was an Austrian-American polymath: painter, illustrator, sculptor, and typographer whose work spanned various media. His work was heavily influenced by the countries that he visited during his education. Art historians know Hammer for his portraits of diverse subjects, as well as his innovative typefaces.

About Viktor Hammer

• Artist name: Viktor Hammer


• Alias: Victor Hammer, Viktor Karl Hammer


• Profession: Painter, illustrator, sculptor, typographer


• Nationality: Austrian-American

Viktor Hammer was an Austrian painter, illustrator, sculptor, and typographer whose work was influenced by the various countries in which he lived. From learning Arabic calligraphy in Constantinople to painting portraits in Florence, Hammer’s versatility reflected his artistic education. His 1934 painting, Portrait of a Rabbi, reflects Hammer’s refined portraiture technique and diverse portfolio of subjects.

Beyond the world of painting, Hammer invented several typefaces, the most famous of which is American Unical. With the help of punchcutter Paul Koch, Hammer innovated and designed five typefaces and created the official seal of Louisville, Kentucky. Hammer died in Lexington, Kentucky in 1967 and actively painted during his years living in the state.

Related Styles and Movements

• Illustration


• Sculpture


• Typography

Highlights and Achievements

• In 1909, Hammer received the Prix de Rome arts scholarship to study at the French Academy in Rome.


• His 1928 painting Vanité sold for €2,600 EUR ($2,838 USD) in September 2019 via the Parisian auction house Artcurial.

Read Full Artist Biography