Self-Portrait of the Artist with his Brother, Hermann 1840

Franz Xaver Winterhalter’s 1840 painting, “Self-Portrait of the Artist with his Brother, Hermann”, features the artist himself on the left and his brother Hermann on the right. The artist is dressed in a dark vest, white shirt, and black cap while Hermann, who is wearing a light-colored waistcoat, appears to be casually placing an arm around his brother’s shoulder. Winterhalter was a well-known German painter, known for his portraiture of royalty and aristocracy. This self-portrait, painted early in his career, shows a glimpse into the artist's personal life and his relationship with his brother. The brothers' relaxed poses and expressions depict a close bond, making the work more intimate than many of Winterhalter's later, more formal portraits.