Paul Meyerheim (Germany, 1842-1915) Lion Couple, c.1900 Oil on wood, 52.6 x 68.2 cm Magyar Nemzeti Galéria / Hungarian National Gallery 282.B “Born into a well-known German family of artists, Paul Meyerheim made his name as a painter of animals. He was a student of Adolf Menzel, an important contemporary representative of German realism and plein air painting, and the two became close friends. During their walks together, Meyerheim learned from his teacher the finer points of the faithful depiction of nature. Meyerheim was particularly interested in painting exotic animals. He enjoyed spending time at the zoo observing the various species, and was equally fascinated by the world of travelling circuses.”


















