Johann Heinrich Tischbein the Elder (1722-1789)

Greek Mythology and Johann Heinrich Tischbein the Elder

Born: 3 October 1722; Haina, Hesse-Kassel
Died: 22 August 1789; Kassel, Hesse-Kassel
Nationality: German (from Landgraviate of Hesse-Kassel)
Art Movement: Rococo 

Johann Heinrich Tischbein the Elder (3 October 1722, Haina – 22 August 1789, Kassel) was one of Europe’s most prominent 18th century painters. With a famous family name, Tischbein the Elder, was an artist associated with the Rococo movement, which saw a number of works completed depicting Greek mythological events.

Gaining experience in Paris and Venice, Tischbein the Elder returned to Hesse-Kassel, and from here, was then called upon by many member of European nobility to undertake paintings for them. These members of nobility thus became the central figures in mythological scenes.

Tischbein the Elder painted a large number of portraits, as well as historical and mythological scenes; but amongst the most famous of his Greek mythological paintings are Heracles and Omphale (1754), The Abduction of Helen by Paris (1757 and 1787) and Menelaus and Paris (1757). ​