Portrait of the Painter Louis Eysen c. 1870

Wilhelm Leibl painted this oil on wood panel portrait of the painter Louis Eysen in Germany at the end of the 19th century. Leibl was a leading Realist, whose paintings often featured peasants or members of the working class. Here, however, he portrays a fellow artist. It speaks to the importance of artistic communities in the development of art. We can imagine how the work of art was shaped by conversations and debates that took place in artist’s studios and cafes. It also speaks to the rising status of the artist at the time. The production of art was becoming more professionalized, with a growing network of dealers, galleries, and public museums. To understand the painting better we can look into the biographies of both painters. Archival records such as letters, exhibition reviews, and sales catalogues would also give a good sense of the painting’s place in the art world of its time.