Career
His work is featured in the older German Thieme-Becker or Saur art encyclopedia. A Master of Arts thesis by Karin Skawran concerning the graphic works of Hans Anton Aschenborn was published in the South African art and culture periodical, Lantern in 1965.) In 1963 the University of Pretoria published a book about Aschenborn as an artist entitled, Hans Anton Aschenborn: Mens en Kunstenaar. In 1970 another one followed by the Pretoria Art Museum (South Africa).
Other publications on Aschenborn feature his etchings and linocuts.
He is well known for his illustrations of books and as an author and poet. He was revered as a pioneer in the realistic portrayal of African wildlife.
In 1916 he wrote the lyrics of the song, "Heia Safari", which also remains popular. Some of his German books were translated into Afrikaans, giving him a role in Afrikaans literature.
While working on his book about gemsbok (which was also translated into English) and closely observing them, Aschenborn discovered a variety that has been named after him, Genus Aschenborni.
In Windhoek (Namibia) there is the Aschenborn Street, and in Cape Town (South Africa) the Hans Aschenborn Road was named after Hans Anton. Hotels and lodges have special Aschenborn Rooms. A search of the Internet for "Aschenborn art" provides many results.
He was born in Kiel, Germany.
In 1909, he emigrated to Namibia, where in 1912 he bought a farm named, "Quickborn". He moved with his family to South Africa in 1920, before returning to Germany in 1921.
He died in Kiel during April 1931. The art work of all three Aschenborns may be found in the galleries, museums, and public buildings of Namibia. and an exhibition of the work of all three generations was held in Namibia during 1965.
1965 3 Generations Aschenborn Windhoek (Namibia) 1981 Hans Anton Aschenborn Commemorative Exhibition - Arts Association Namibia (now National Art Gallery of Namibia), Windhoek of Hans Anton Aschenborn.