Franz Seraph von Lenbach - Portrait of Prince Otto von Bismarck

The expressive, pastel coloured sections of this portrait create a stark contrast to the dark and vivid tones used throughout the rest of the work. As in many of his pieces, Lenbach once again uses the brown surface of the painter's card to his advantage, partially eschewing the use of an even ground to allow it to shine through and highlight areas of the sitter's skin through a lighter application of paint. This technique only becomes apparent upon a second glance at this work. The partially visible pencil underdrawing in the present composition is a further characteristic element of Lenbach's works on card.

We are pleased to report that this piece is accompanied by the original correspondence between Franz Seraph von Lenbach and its patron Geh. Commerzienrat F.C.TH. Heye, as well as a photograph of the painting in its original setting in the Heye family's salon on Rothenbaumchaussee 37/39 in Hamburg. The portrait is also housed in its original frame.