Born in Dresden, Germany, Gerhard Richter emerged as a central figure in contemporary art following his move to West Germany in the early 1960s. He studied at the Kunstakademie Düsseldorf, where he developed his signature approach to image-making, often blurring the lines between photography and traditional painting techniques.

Richter is best known for his Photo-paintings, which utilize photographic source material to explore the nature of perception and memory. His body of work also includes expansive abstract canvases characterized by layered, scraped paint, as well as structural glass works that engage with the surrounding architectural environment.

His work remains a staple of the international secondary market, frequently appearing in major 20th-century and contemporary art auctions globally. His influence persists through institutional recognition and his continued presence in high-profile sales and private collections worldwide.