Scheffer, Ary

Scheffer, Ary a French painter, was born at Dort, in Holland, Feb. 18, 1795. His studies were carried on in Paris under baron Guerin, and in 1812 his first picture appeared. His earlier pieces were in the line of historical and genre painting, and have become well known through engravings as The Death of St. Louis, The Sister of Charity, and The Soldier's Widow. In the romantic style which was so prevalent at the time, Scheffer did not succeed so well, and felt that his power lay in a different direction. The inspiration given to his pencil by the works of Goethe and Byron is shown by his pictures Giaour, Faust, and a series of others. In religious painting, his Christ the Comforter and Christ the Remunerator, The Shepherds Led by the Angel, Christ in the Garden, show a deep religious feeling, and are works of power and great beauty. One of his finest sentimental pieces is Francesca di Rimini and her Lover Meeting Dante and Virgil in Hell. As a portrait painter he achieved great success, and the portraits of Lafayette, Lamartine, and others show his power. Scheffer worked incessantly, and his drawing is truthful and full of grace, his touch firm and well adapted to his style, and his color, though often wanting in mellowness, is still very beautiful. He was undoubtedly a great artist, and received the honor due to his talent. He was made commandant of the Legion of Honor in 1848, and died June 15, 1858.