Friedrich Georg Weitsch

Friedrich Georg Weitsch, born on August 8, 1758 in Braunschweig and died on May 30, 1828 in Berlin, is one of the artists included in our collection of art books. He was a renowned German painter and engraver, distinguished especially for his portraits and pictorial chronicles related to Alexander von Humboldt and Adam Johann von Krusenstern and the trips they made.
In our covers, we have used images of Weitsch’s works because we consider his paintings to be emblematic in the visual representation of Latin America. Through his meticulous portraits and scenes from Humboldt’s travels, Weitsch manages to capture the scientific exploration, curiosity, and wonder that characterized this era of discovery.
His artistic works offer a window to the past and reflect a deep and respectful connection with the nature and cultures of Latin America. Weitsch’s ability to capture Humboldt’s personality and passion for the study and understanding of the New World makes him a key artist for our collection, giving readers a particular perspective on momentous moments in Latin American history.
He began his training as a painter with his father, Pascha Johann Friedrich Weitsch, and then continued his education in 1776 in Kassel. After working at the Stobwasser lacquer factory, in 1783 he continued his training at the Düsseldorf Academy, where Lambert Krahe was his teacher.
Between 1784 and 1787, Weitsch traveled to Amsterdam and Italy, visiting cities such as Rome, Naples, and Florence. On his return, Duke Karl Wilhelm Ferdinand appointed him court painter in Braunschweig. There he painted portraits of the ducal family and made copies of famous works.
He became a member of the Berlin Academy of Art in 1794 and moved to that city the following year. In 1798, he was appointed rector of the academy and also Royal Court Painter.
In addition to his career in painting, Weitsch had a close relationship with Alexander of Humboldt, the famous naturalist and explorer. He created several paintings that reflected Humboldt’s travels and explorations, including his work entitled “Alexander of Humboldt in the Andes”.
The collaboration between Friedrich Georg Weitsch and Humboldt went beyond the artistic, as they shared an interest in science and exploration.
Weitsch’s paintings of Humboldt’s travels helped spread knowledge of these expeditions and foster interest in nature and science in his time. These paintings continue to be a valuable part of his artistic legacy, bearing witness to an era of discovery and exploration.
Weitsch died in Berlin in 1828. He had been married to Christiane Elisabeth Schröder since 1794, although they had no children.
His work also covers landscapes, historical and religious subjects, but is especially famous for his portraits, influenced by Anton Graff. His works can be found in the museums of Braunschweig and the Herzog Anton Ulrich-Museum.