Empress Elizabeth

Franz Xaver Winterhalter, born on April 20, 1805, in Menzenschwand, Black Forest, Germany, emerged as one of the most sought-after portrait painters of the 19th century. His journey into the arts began in the humble settings of a village school in St. Blasien, where his talent was first recognized and nurtured by the local priest, Josef Berthold Liber. At the age of thirteen, Winterhalter embarked on a four-year apprenticeship under the guidance of Charles Louis Schuler, a French draftsman and engraver, marking the beginning of his formal artistic training. This period was crucial, as it not only honed his skills but also introduced him to the broader artistic community when Schuler moved to Freiburg to lead the Herder's Art Institute, taking Winterhalter along. Winterhalter's family background was marked by both tragedy and artistic inclination. The seventh of nine children, only four of whom survived childhood, he shared a close bond with his brother Hermann Fidel, who also pursued a career in painting. Their parents, Fidelis and Eva Mayer, were part of a family with notable artistic connections, including the painter Hans Thoma. Winterhalter's early life and education laid the foundation for his illustrious career, during which he became renowned for his ability to capture the elegance and grace of European aristocracy and royalty, making him a favorite among the elite of his time. His legacy endures through his exquisite portraits, which continue to be celebrated for their beauty and historical significance.