Frederic Chopin (1810-1849)
Polish Composer

Chopin by Ary Scheffer

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

Chopin by Marie Wodzinska 1836

Frederic Chopinwas a Polish pianist and composer of the Romantic era. He is widely regarded as one of the most famous, influential and prolific composers for piano. Chopin was born in the village of Zelazowa Wola, Poland, to a Polish mother and French-expatriate father. Hailed in his homeland as a child prodigy, at age twenty Chopin left for Paris. There he made a career as performer, teacher and composer, and adopted the French version of his given names, "Frédéric-François." From 1837 to 1847 he had a turbulent relationship with the French writer George Sand (Aurore Dudevant). Always in frail health, at 39 he succumbed to pulmonary tuberculosis.

Chopin by Eugene Delacroix 1838

All of Chopin's extant work includes the piano in some role (predominantly as a solo instrument), and his compositions are widely considered to be among the pinnacles of the piano's repertoire. Although his music is among the most technically demanding for the instrument, Chopin's style emphasizes poetry, nuance, and expressive depth rather than mere technical display. He perfected some musical forms, such as the ballade, but his most significant innovations were within existing structures such as the piano sonata, waltz, nocturne, étude, and prelude. His works are often cited as being among the mainstays of Romanticism in 19th-century classical music. Additionally, Chopin was the first Western Classical composer to imbue Slavic elements into his music; to this day his mazurkas and polonaises are the cornerstone of Polish Nationalistic classical music.

Chopin by Rudolph Lehmann 1847

There are few paintings of this famous composer in existence today, partially due to the fact that he died at a fairly young age. However, the possibility of one of portraits turning up in Poland or some other location in Europe or elsewhere is quite good. Still wondering about a 19th century portrait in your family collection? Contact us... it could be of Frederic Chopin.