Franz Xaver Winterhalter
Franz Xaver Winterhalter was born in the Grand-Duchy of Baden in 1805. He received early training in Freiburg as a graphic artist, and in 1824, he enrolled at the Munich Academy to continue his studies. He received a travel stipend in 1833-34 to Italy, where he joined a circle of French artists. He then moved to Paris and was commissioned by King Louis-Philippe to paint portraits of the entire royal family and leading members of the court. This commission launched his career as an international court portraitist. Winterhalter’s patrons appreciated his ability to adapt his style to suit their needs and to capture the political and moral climate of each court. He painted the royal families of England, France, Belgium, Spain, Germany, and Russia. Winterhalter died in Frankfurt in 1873.
Franz Xaver Winterhalter is featured in Edition: The Best of the Met
