A Life Immersed in Portraiture Franz Seraph von Lenbach, a name synonymous with the grand portraiture of 19th-century Germany, was more than just a painter; he was a chronicler of an era. Born in Schrobenhausen, Bavaria, in 1836, his journey from a mason’s son to the celebrated “Malerfürst” (Painter Prince) is a testament to ambition, talent, and a keen understanding of societal currents. Initially destined for his father's trade, Lenbach harbored artistic aspirations that eventually led him away from stonework and toward the vibrant world of Munich’s art scene. His early education included…