Karl von Kügelgen (1772 - 1832)

Karl von Kügelgen

Johann Karl Ferdinand von Kügelgen was a German landscape and history painter, known for his work as a Russian court painter and his contributions to both the Imperial Academy of Arts in St. Petersburg and the Prussian Academy of Arts in Berlin​​. Born on February 6, 1772, in Bacharach am Rhein, Kügelgen's artistic journey took him across Europe, where he honed his skills in various cities including Frankfurt, Würzburg, and Rome.

Kügelgen's paintings are celebrated for their transparency and ethereal color palette, often reflecting the natural landscapes he was deeply inspired by. His notable works include over 200 landscapes and depictions of ancient monuments, particularly from his travels to Crimea under the commission of Tsar Alexander I​​. These works are highly valued for their historical and artistic significance, capturing the essence of the regions he explored.

During his career, Kügelgen faced many challenges, including financial difficulties and the turmoil of the Napoleonic Wars, which forced him and his family to flee to Wolsk. Despite these hardships, he continued to produce art and teach, leaving a lasting legacy through his works and his influence on future generations, including his son Konstantin von Kügelgen, who also became a renowned landscape painter.

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