Hans von Bartels (December 25 1856-October 5 1913), German painter, was born in Hamburg, the son of Dr N. F. F. von Bartels , a Russian government official. He studied first under the marine painter R. Hardorif in Hamburg, then under C. Schweitzer in Düsseldorf and C. Oesterley in Hamburg, and finally at the Berlin School of Art . After travelling extensively, especially in Italy, he settled in Munich in 1885 and was appointed professor of painting in 1891.

An oil painter of great power, he is one of the leading German water-colour painters, mainly of marines and scenes of fishing life, painted with rude vigour and a great display of technical skill. He excels in storm scenes and in depicting the strong, healthy fishing-folk of the northern coasts. He became an honorary member of leading English, German, Dutch, Belgian and Austrian art societies. Among his principal works are:

• "Sturmflut"
• "Lonely Beach"
• "Potato Harvest—Rügen"
• "Storm—Bornholm"
• "Moonlight on the Zuyder Zee"