Ary Scheffer

Ary Scheffer

Ary Scheffer was born on February 10th, 1795

Full Name: Ary Scheffer
Place of Birth: Dordrecht, Netherlands
Nationality: Dutch-French
Profession: Painter and academic
Style: Romanticism
Famous Work: Mignon and Francesca
Birth Date: February 10, 1795
Death Date: June 15, 1858

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.

Written by: Penelope Wildwood Penelope Wildwood

Ary Scheffer: The Painter of Literary Masters

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.

The Early Years

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.

Rise to Prominence

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.

Literary Inspirations

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.

Portraits of the Elite

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.

Personal Life and Politics

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.

Legacy

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.

Major Works

Timeline
1795
Birth in Dordrecht
Ary Scheffer was born in Dordrecht, Netherlands. He would go on to become a renowned painter and academic.
1811
Studied Art in Paris
Scheffer traveled to Paris to study art at the École des Beaux-Arts.
1822
Exhibits at Salon
Scheffers paintings were exhibited at the Salon in Paris, where they received critical acclaim.
1830
Appointed Professor
Scheffer was appointed Professor of Painting at the École des Beaux-Arts, a position he held for over 20 years.
1858
Death in Argenteuil
Ary Scheffer passed away in Argenteuil, France, leaving behind a legacy as a respected painter and academic.
Ary Scheffer

Ary Scheffer Quiz

Ary Scheffer was known for his portraits of which type of figures?

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FAQ
What was Ary Scheffers style of painting?
Ary Scheffer was a Dutch-French painter and academic who was known for his romantic and sentimental style. His paintings often depicted scenes from literature, history, and mythology, characterized by their emotional intensity and lyricism.
Who was Ary Scheffers patron?
Ary Scheffers patron was King Louis-Philippe of France, who commissioned several works from the artist. This royal patronage helped establish Scheffers reputation as a leading painter of the French Romantic school.
What is Ary Scheffers most famous work?
Ary Scheffers most famous work is The Women of the Bible, a series of paintings depicting women from the Bible. This series showcases his ability to capture the emotional depth and psychological complexity of his subjects.
Where did Ary Scheffer study art?
Ary Scheffer studied art at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, where he was trained by the French neoclassicist painter, Pierre-Narcisse Guérin.
What awards did Ary Scheffer win?
Ary Scheffer won several awards for his work, including the Prix de Rome in 1824 and the Médaille dOr at the Paris Salon in 1831. These honors recognized his talent and contribution to the French art world.

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