Alexander von Humboldt (1769-1859)

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

There are five authentic portraits of Alexander von Humboldt in existence. Humboldt was a scientist, explorer, and diplomat. He was an extremely versatile naturalist. He made numerous scientific contributions. Humboldt was born in Germany in 1769 and died in 1859.

Portrait #1, Friedrich Georg Weitsch, 1806

Portrait #1 was painted by Friedrich Georg Weitsch (1758-1828) in 1806. The painting is very colorful and von Humboldt is pictured in a natural setting.

Portrait #2, Self-portrait, 1815

Portrait #2 is very interesting. It is a self-portrait from 1815, when the scientist was forty-five years old.

Portrait #3, Eduard Heldebrandt, 1850

Eduard Heldebrandt painted Portrait #3 in 1850. Heldebrandt (1818-1868) was a German artist. He was influenced by Humboldt and traveled extensively as a result of it.

Portrait #5, Julius Schrader, 1859

Portrait #4 was painted by Emma Gaggiotti-Richards in 1855. Richards (1825-1912) was an Italian artist.

Julius Schrader painted Portrait #5 in 1859. Schrader (1815-1900) was a German artist. Mount Chimborazo can be seen in the background. Humboldt was eighty-nine years old at the time.

It is likely that there are additional authentic portraits of von Humboldt in existence. Von Humboldt was frequently portrayed and lived a long life. Still wondering about a portrait in your family collection? Contact us... it could be b portrait of Alexander von Humboldt.