Think that you may own a portrait of composer Robert Schumann? We authenticate, appraise, research and issue certificates of authenticity (COA) and provide consultations for all portraits of Robert Schumann.

Robert Schumann was a German composer and pianist. He was one of the most famous Romantic composers of the nineteenth century, as well as a famous music critic. An intellectual as well as an aesthete, his music reflects the deeply personal nature of Romanticism. Introspective and often whimsical, his early music was an attempt to break with the tradition of classical forms and structure which he thought too restrictive. Little understood in his lifetime, much of his music is now regarded as daringly original in harmony, rhythm and form. He stands in the front rank of German Romantics.

Schumann

There are three authentic portraits in existence of Robert Schumann. Portrait #1 was completed by J.J.B. Laurens in 1853. This portrait is a chalk drawing. It was drawn the years before Schumann’s attempted suicide. At the time, the artist remarked how abnormally large Schumann’s pupils were.

Portrait #1, J.J.B. Laurens, 1853

Portrait #2, Eduard Bendemann, Date Unknown

Portrait #3 is by Josef Kriehuber. The date is unknown. Kriehuber (1800-1876) was an Austrian artist. This portrait is signed by Schumann.

Portrait #3, Josef Kriehuber, Date Unknown

There are also post mortem portraits in existence. The artists responsible for these works are E. Bendemann, Hans Best, and Fritz Rumpf.

Still wondering about a 19th century portrait in your family collection? Contact us…it could be a portrait of Robert Schumann.