Sandpaper: Anna Dorothea Therbusch

Born into an artistic Prussian family, Therbush (1723-1782) was taught to paint by her father. Though her talent was noted at the time, she married an innkeeper and gave up painting in order to help her husband. It wasn't until 1761, as "a short-sighted, middle aged woman" that she returned to painting, yet in a short time, became court painter to the duke of Stuttgart, and later, Frederick the Great of Prussia. She was elected to the French Royal Academy of Art and Design, but struggled to make ends meet in Paris. As a contemporary noted: "She does not lack the talent to arouse interest in a country like ours; she lacks beauty, youth, modesty and coquetterie" Prints are available to buy