Liebermann first became famous in Paris, where he studied from 1873. Due to his personal, inherited wealth he was able to assemble an impressive collection of French Impressionist works, On his return to Germany he swiftly became a leading figure, winning the gold Medal at the Berlin Salon of 1897. In 1899 he became the first President of the Berlin Secession. He became the leading German artist of the first quarter of the 20th century, influencing his contemporaries such as Lovis Corinth. His work was in direct contrast to the Expressionists, being more academic and impressionist. He travelled extensively in Europe and in Holland learned the art of etching in soft-ground and drypoint from Jan Vert.
He was a painter and print-maker of landscapes, portraits and genre. His output was prodigious and he made hundreds of fine etchings. He died shortly after the Nazi regime gained power, having been forced to resign his Presidency of Prussian Art academy