A Dutch-French Romantic painter and academic, known for his emotive and expressive portraits, particularly of literary and historical figures. His works often featured dramatic lighting and intense emotions.
Ary Scheffer, a Dutch-French Romantic painter, is renowned for his exquisite works of art inspired by literature, capturing the essence of the written word on canvas. His paintings bring to life the works of literary giants such as Dante, Goethe, Lord Byron, and Walter Scott, as well as religious subjects, making him a master of his craft.
Born on February 10, 1795, in Dordrecht, Netherlands, Scheffer was the son of Johan Bernard Scheffer, a portrait painter, and Cornelia Lamme, a portrait miniature painter. His artistic talent was nurtured from a young age, and he attended the drawing academy in Amsterdam at the age of 11.
In 1811, Scheffer and his mother moved to Paris, where he studied at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts under the guidance of Pierre-Narcisse Gurin. He began exhibiting at the Salon de Paris in 1812, but it wasn't until 1817 that his work started to gain recognition. In 1819, he was commissioned to paint a portrait of the Marquis de Lafayette, a testament to his growing reputation.
Scheffer's love for literature played a significant role in shaping his art. He was fascinated by the works of Dante, Goethe, Lord Byron, and Walter Scott, and his paintings brought their stories to life. His use of vivid colors and dramatic compositions created a sense of depth and emotion, transporting viewers into the world of literature.
In addition to his literary-inspired works, Scheffer was a prolific painter of portraits, capturing the likenesses of famous and influential people of his time. His portraits were highly sought after by the aristocracy, and he became a favorite among the elite, including King Louis Philippe I, who employed him as a teacher to his children.
Scheffer's life was marked by strong ties to the French monarchy, particularly King Louis Philippe I. He lived a life of luxury for many years, but the French Revolution of 1848 brought an end to his comfortable existence. Despite this, he remained a prominent figure in Parisian society, known for his Philhellene views and support for the Greek War of Independence.
Ary Scheffer's contributions to the world of art are undeniable. He left behind a legacy of exquisite paintings that continue to inspire and captivate art lovers to this day. His unique ability to bring literature to life through his art has cemented his place as one of the greatest Romantic painters of all time.
Born in 1770
A prominent Neoclassicist painter, renowned for his elegant and refined portraits of European aristocracy, capturing the essence of his subjects with precision and subtlety.
Born in 1771
A French Neoclassicist painter who created dramatic, emotionally charged scenes, often depicting Napoleon's military campaigns and heroic events. His works are characterized by vivid colors and intense lighting.
Born in 1748
A French painter and illustrator who revolutionized Neoclassicism with his realistic and emotive works, creating iconic pieces like "Oath of the Horatii" and "Napoleon Crossing the Alps".
Born in 1780
A renowned French Neoclassicist painter and illustrator, celebrated for his exquisite portraits and historical scenes that epitomize elegance and refinement. His work continues to inspire artists and art enthusiasts alike.
Born in 1798
A Romantic-era master of expressive brushstrokes and vivid color, creating iconic works that captured the drama and emotion of historical and literary scenes.
Born in 1791
A Romantic-era master of dramatic and emotionally charged art, known for his powerful depictions of horses and the human experience.
Born in 1746
A visionary artist who pioneered Romanticism, capturing the human experience through bold, emotionally charged paintings and sculptures that continue to inspire and unsettle.
Born in 1774
A 19th-century Romantic painter and etcher, renowned for his mystical and contemplative landscapes that often featured ruins, mountains, and misty skies, evoking a sense of spirituality and connection to nature.