Hortense von Beauharnais Herzogin von St. Leu
Born in 1783.
Died in 1837.
Hortense von Beauharnais, Duchess of St. Leu is recognised as a painter and draughtswoman. Her oeuvre encompasses drawings, watercolours and oils, exploring a variety of subjects such as landscapes, interiors and portraits. She was the wife of Louis Bonaparte, who briefly served as King of the Netherlands, and the mother of Napoleon III, Emperor of the French.
From 1822 onwards, she established her residence at Arenenberg Castle, where she continued her artistic activity.