Franz von Lenbach with his wife and daughters 1903

Franz von Lenbach painted this portrait of himself with his wife and daughters in 1903. Family portraits like this one give us a peek into the domestic life of the upper middle class in Germany at the turn of the century. Lenbach was a leading society portraitist in Munich, and this painting can be understood in the context of the German art world. It might be considered conservative for its time. While expressionist groups like Die Brücke were forming, Lenbach was painting in a style reminiscent of the old masters. Think of the tradition of the artist inserting himself into a painting alongside his patrons. To understand this painting better, we can consult sources from the period. Exhibition reviews might tell us how it was received by critics. Letters and diaries could reveal more about Lenbach’s relationships. By looking at the social and institutional context, we gain a fuller understanding of the artist and his work.