SwissArtGallery · Documented identity
Wilhelm Hensel (1794–1861), a Prussian portrait painter and engraver, was born in Trebbin and died in Berlin. His training began in Berlin: he enrolled at the Academy of Architecture in 1809 and joined the Academy of Arts in 1811. According to an auction notice, he exhibited at the Academy for the first time in 1812.
In 1813, the German campaign interrupted his studies. As a volunteer, he took part in the battles of Bautzen and Leipzig, where he was wounded several times. The biographical notice describes a progression from his early works, influenced by the Nazarene movement, to Romantic Realism, and then to a more pronounced Realism. His engravings were often produced on commission for illustrations, particularly for books by Ludwig Tieck.
In 1829, Hensel married the musician Fanny Mendelssohn, sister of Felix Mendelssohn, and was elected to the board of the Academy of Arts in Berlin.
This profile brings together identity references for Wilhelm Hensel and paintings, drawings and works on paper documented in auction catalogues.
1 references are documented at Dobiaschofsky. Each record links to its source; the amounts are not a general valuation of the artist’s work.
Oil on canvas
Porträt der Musikerin Fanny Cäcilie Mendelssohn Bartholdy (1805-1847) mit Klavier.
Öl auf Leinwand
Date to be documented
Catalogue reference — sale not confirmed
View the lot at the auction house ↗SwissArtGallery documentary note based on the cited sources. Titles, media and qualifications are provided in the profile language; the original catalogue wording remains available in each record.
Documentation updated : 2026-10-19
