Painter, graphic artist, designer, and illustrator Adolf Hengeler was born in Kempten, Germany, in 1863. In 1878 he worked as a lithographer's assistant, and in 1881 he moved to Munich to study at the School of Applied Arts. There, he was encouraged in his artistic pursuits by Professor of Painting Ferdinand Barth (1842-1892). The popular satirical weekly, Fliegende Blatter, hired him on as an illustrator, and he would ultimately create over 5,000 cartoons for the magazine. In 1885 enrolled at the Munich Academy where he studied engraving under Johann Leonhard Raab and painting under Wilhelm von Diez. 

Hengeler participated in his first exhibition with the Munich Secessionists with whom he would remain a part of for several years. He showedi n the Gerat Berlin Art Exhibition and the exhibitions of the Munich Glass Palace. In 1902 he was offered a post as an assistant professor at the Munich Academy and in 1912 would become a full Professor. Among his students was Gisbert Pamie and Fritz Wrampe.

Among his other artistic contributions were murals, including 1913's "Homage to Spring" at the New Town Hall in Hanover, and children's book illustrations. He would become as well known for his work as for his teaching, and in 2013 a celebration of his life and art was held in his hometown of Kempten on the 150th anniversary of his birth. 

Adolf Hengeler died on December 3, 1927 in Munich.