Elbflorenz

Johann Eleazar Zeissig Shenau was an 18th century European genre painter. He rarely painted portraits, and the only portraits that he did produce were mainly self-portraits. He was a pupil of portraitist Johann Christian Bessler, who brought the young artist to the Dresden academy. He later moved to Paris where he worked as an autodictat and an engraver. He spent his time in Paris copying masterworks at the Louvre and later at Versaille.

Drawing

One of the most famous portraits by Shenau was that of Saxon elector Frederic August III (later, the King of Saxony from 1806-1827). Though his portraits were fine and in demand, Shenau eventually became known for his historical and genre subjects, due to his friendship with fellow painters Greuze and Chardin. Throughout his career, he served as a professor at both the Dresden Academy and at the Messen Porcelain Manufactory.

Domestic Scene

Today, Shenau’s work is housed in major art museums in German and around the world, and perhaps in your own home. Still wondering about an 18th century European painting in your family collection? Contact us…it could be by Johann Eleazar Zeissig Shenau.

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