Born in Copenhagen, Denmark on July 25, 1883 and immigrated to the United States, with his family, in 1889. Johann showed an early talent for music and attended school for voice and baritone. Upon graduating college, he toured for a few years with the Grand Opera Co. and finally set up a private studio in New York City where he gave lessons. His interest in painting began to emerge at this time. His earliest works were pastels and featured scenes of both New York and Chicago. His interest in cityscapes would continue and soon he began to experiment with oil paints. Among his favorite scenes were the streets of New York during the winter months. Most of his works were painted on a small scale and often centered on views near Central Park or of lower Manhattan. It is interesting to note that his life almost exactly paralleled that of Édouard Cortès (1882-1969) – the artist who has become famous for his street scenes of Paris. Born in Copenhagen, Denmark on July 25, 1883 and immigrated to the United States, with his family, in 1889. Johann showed an early talent for music and attended school for voice and baritone. Upon graduating college, he toured for a few years with the Grand Opera Co. and finally set up a private studio in New York City where he gave lessons. His interest in painting began to emerge at this time. His earliest works were pastels and featured scenes of both New York and Chicago. His interest in cityscapes would continue and soon he began to experiment with oil paints. Among his favorite scenes were the streets of New York during the winter months. Most of his works were painted on a small scale and often centered on views near Central Park or of lower Manhattan. It is interesting to note that his life almost exactly paralleled that of Édouard Cortès (1882-1969) – the artist who has become famous for his street scenes of Paris.