Portrait of a Baby

Adolph Menzel made this intimate baby portrait during his career as Germany's leading 19th-century realist. The artist produced thousands of drawings documenting subjects with photographic precision. His background as an engraver gave him outstanding skill in capturing fine details.

Menzel began his career in his father's lithography workshop, which he took over at just sixteen after his father's death. He taught himself art, eventually becoming one of the most respected German painters of his era. His keen observation of everyday subjects included portraits of children and family members rendered with warmth and accuracy.