In memoriam: Matthias Herbst

Born in Salzburg, Matthias Herbst studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna from 1955 to 1960, in the master class of Professor Christian Ludwig Martin, after graduating from a teacher training college. He also studied at the University of Vienna. He earned a diploma as an academic painter and graphic artist and passed the state examinations qualifying him to teach art, design & technology, and history. A passionate educator, he worked as both a primary and middle school teacher before joining the Teacher Training College in Salzburg. From 1968 to 1976, he served as Professor there, preparing future teachers of Art and Design & Technology.

In 1976, he was appointed Professor of Art Education at what was then the Hochschule Mozarteum. As Head of Department, Matthias Herbst played a key role in establishing the Department of Art Education (now the Department of Fine Arts and Design), thereby laying the foundations for generations of art educators.

During his 25 years at the institution, he mentored well over 190 students and supervised almost a hundred academic theses. He was always deeply committed to fostering the next generation of scholars and artists – and, as part of the inter-university doctoral programme, he enabled his two research assistants to become the first to obtain doctorates in art education at the Mozarteum University. Most recently, he served as an assessor for the Habilitation Committee at the University / Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna; he retired on 1 October 2001.

Matthias Herbst had a unique ability to combine artistic practice with educational responsibility. His visionary commitment to art education, his integrity, his generosity, his openness to interdisciplinary collaboration, and his tireless dedication to his students constitute a legacy that will continue to inspire and shape the field for many years to come.

The Mozarteum University will always cherish his memory with gratitude and respect. Our deepest sympathies go out to his family and to all those who were close to him.

Rectorate and Senate

Mozarteum University Salzburg