Anna Maria von Phul

Anna Maria von Phul (1786–1823) was an American artist who used watercolor to illustrate local Creole culture, including architecture, clothing, hairstyles, and other aspects of daily life.

[4] While in Kentucky, von Phul studied French, drawing, and watercolor at a young-ladies academy in Lexington operated by George and Mary Beck, painting some of the town's architecture.

[1][5][6] Art was typically considered a hobby for many of the more elite young women in the early 1800s, but von Phul showed a particular talent and was encouraged by her family and instructors to continue her artistic studies.

[9] Her later works depict various aspects of the local Creole life in the St. Louis area, which later earned her the title, "the Eyes of the Missouri Territory".

[1] The subjects of her artwork include landscapes, buildings, furniture, clothing, jewelry, hairstyles, horse-drawn carriages, and people engaged in typical everyday activities.