Lion Couple Paul Meyerheim

Born into a well-known German family of artists, Paul Meyerheim made his name as a painter of animals. He was a student of Adolf Menzel, an important contemporary representative of German realism and plein air painting, and the two became close friends. During their walks together, Meyerheim learned from his teacher the finer points of the faithful depiction of nature.
Meyerheim was particularly interested in painting exotic animals. He enjoyed spending time at the zoo observing the various species, and was equally fascinated by the world of travelling circuses. The painting Lion Couple probably shows a circus cage, in which a majestic lion and lioness are lazing. The painting is a richly detailed, lifelike representation of the captive animals, the red wooden panels providing a dramatic backdrop.
The work was purchased from the Galerie Heinemann in Munich by Count Dénes Andrássy, the last owner of Krásna Hôrka castle. The count was a regular visitor to Munich; he made the acquaintance of the artists who frequented the city and was keen to purchase their works for the picture gallery he had created in his castle.

Bianka Izsák-Boda