Background
Pleuer was the son of a goldsmith.
Pleuer was the son of a goldsmith.
After initial studies at the Stuttgart School of Applied Arts (1879–1881) and the Academy of Fine Arts Stuttgart (1881–1883) he completed his studies at the Academy of Fine Arts Munich. In 1886, he returned to Stuttgart and led a bohemian life style, painting nudes and scenes from the local night life, until he became fascinated with industrial technology and the "Rausch der Geschwindigkeit" (Thrill of Speed), and turned to railway painting. His work was supported by a patron, Franz Baron von Koenig-Fachsenfeld (1866-1918) whose son, Reinhard von Koenig-Fachsenfeld, would become a well-known inventor and automotive engineer
Pleuer died from tuberculosis at the early age of 47.
There is a Hermann-Pleuer-Weg in Ostfildern and a Hermann-Pleuer-Straße in Stuttgart.