Anna Dorothea Therbusch
- Born:
- July 23, 1721, Berlin, Prussia
- Died:
- November 9, 1782, Berlin, Prussia
- Nationality:
- Prussian
- Profession(s):
- Painter
Early Life and Education
- Born into a family of sculptors; her father, Johann Michael Lisiewsky, was a court painter to Frederick William I of Prussia.
- Initially resisted a career in painting, but later trained extensively with her father.
Career and Major Achievements
- Became a successful portrait painter in Berlin.
- Gained recognition for her self-portraits and portraits of notable figures.
- Member of the Académie Royale de Peinture et de Sculpture in Paris.
- Known for her realistic and expressive style.
Notable Works
- Self-Portrait with Palette (c. 1761)
- Portrait of Frederick the Great
- The Philosopher
- The Duet
Legacy and Impact
Anna Dorothea Therbusch was a significant female artist of the 18th century, breaking barriers in a male-dominated profession. Her realistic portraits and mastery of light and shadow contributed significantly to the development of portraiture and are seen as key examples of biography in art.