Balthasar Denner - Portrait of a Lady in Profile

Balthasar Denner, born in Altona, was one of the most sought-after portrait painters in Germany in the early 18th century. His finely painted works were popular with both aristocratic and bourgeoisie patrons, including the Kings of Denmark and Norway, August II of Poland, Adolf Friedrich of Sweden and Tsar Peter III. This not only provided him with a lucrative income, but also an interesting life. It is said that he took his family along with him on his travels to important patrons, and that his children provided musical entertainment during the portrait sittings.