Anton Graff

Anton Graff, born in 1736 in Winterthur and died in 1813 in Dresden, was a Swiss painter known for his portraits of European nobility and intellectuals. His works, such as 'Portrait of Friedrich Schiller' and 'Portrait of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe,' are admired for their refined technique and psychological depth, capturing the essence of Enlightenment thought and character. Influenced by the German and British portrait traditions, Graff's technique involved a delicate and insightful approach to composition and color, conveying the dignity and intellect of his subjects. His career was marked by his ability to depict the elegance and wisdom of the European elite, making him a celebrated figure in 18th-century portraiture.