German artist Julius Schoppe produced majestic portraits, which imbued their subjects with purity and a sense of near-ethereal radiance. The gentle undulations of porcelain skin are marked out by a quiet light. Edges are softened and skin tones harmonised with subtle rouging in semi-transparent glazes.

Inspired by Raphael, his sitters are depicted with a timeless sense of immortal beauty - akin to a Madonna and Child. They’re reassuring balanced, perfectly weighted and always at ease.

Schoppe was a keen student of the old masters and spent several years in Rome studying Raphael, Titian, and Correggio. During his time there, he produced several copies after Raphael that ended up in the collection of King Friedrich Wilhelm IV.

Today, works by Schoppe can be found in many public collections and he remains one of the most highly regarded portraitists of his generation.

1795

Born in Berlin.

1810-1817

Enrolled at the Academy of Arts, Berlin, and studied under Samuel Rösel.

1815

Travelled to Vienna.

1817

Hiked through Austria and Switzerland to Rome.

1817-1822

Lived in Rome at the Casa Buti artist hostel. Studied the old masters extensively.

1825

Elected a member of the Academy.

1837

Became a professor at the Academy.

1868

Died in Berlin.