Painter. He was one of the leading German Romantic neo-classic artists of the mid-19th century school. Born in Speyer, Bavaria, he was the son of a well-known archaeologist Joseph Anselm Feuerbach, grandson of the legal scholar Paul Johann Anselm Ritter von Feuerbach, and nephew of the philosopher Ludwig Feuerbach. He was educated at Düsseldorf Academy and München Academy before going twice to Paris, studying under many well-known painters. In 1855 he moved on a scholarship from Grand Duke Friedrich of Baden to Rome where he met model Nanna Risi, who became his lover for four years. His stepmother, Henriette Feuerbach and Lucia Brunacci, an innkeeper's wife, were also his models. Most of his well-known paintings were done while he was in Italy. In 1869, he painted "Symposium" and in 1874 painted a revision of the painting. In 1873, he was appointed professor of history painting at the Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna. His popularity as a painter had declined. After moving to Venice in 1877, he died in solitary circumstances, completely neglected by his contemporaries. After his death, German composer Johannes Brahms composed "Nänie," a piece for chorus and orchestra, in his memory. His paintings are mainly displayed in German museums. His Self-Portrait of 1858 is on display at the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia. His birthplace has become a small museum. His posthumous reputation was enhanced greatly by his stepmother's publication of "A Testament," which was mainly taken from his letters and autobiographical notes.
Painter. He was one of the leading German Romantic neo-classic artists of the mid-19th century school. Born in Speyer, Bavaria, he was the son of a well-known archaeologist Joseph Anselm Feuerbach, grandson of the legal scholar Paul Johann Anselm Ritter von Feuerbach, and nephew of the philosopher Ludwig Feuerbach. He was educated at Düsseldorf Academy and München Academy before going twice to Paris, studying under many well-known painters. In 1855 he moved on a scholarship from Grand Duke Friedrich of Baden to Rome where he met model Nanna Risi, who became his lover for four years. His stepmother, Henriette Feuerbach and Lucia Brunacci, an innkeeper's wife, were also his models. Most of his well-known paintings were done while he was in Italy. In 1869, he painted "Symposium" and in 1874 painted a revision of the painting. In 1873, he was appointed professor of history painting at the Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna. His popularity as a painter had declined. After moving to Venice in 1877, he died in solitary circumstances, completely neglected by his contemporaries. After his death, German composer Johannes Brahms composed "Nänie," a piece for chorus and orchestra, in his memory. His paintings are mainly displayed in German museums. His Self-Portrait of 1858 is on display at the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia. His birthplace has become a small museum. His posthumous reputation was enhanced greatly by his stepmother's publication of "A Testament," which was mainly taken from his letters and autobiographical notes.
Bio by: Linda Davis
Gravesite Details
Atop his grave marker is a bronze relief of the image of his profile.
Family Members
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