Józef Pitschmann

He began his artistic studies at the Academy of Fine Arts, Vienna, under the direction of Heinrich Carl Brandt, a noted portrait painter.

[1] In 1787, he was awarded a gold medal for his depiction of Hercules returning Admetus to Alcestis, and was made a member of the Academy.

[2] In 1788, he moved to Poland at the invitation of Józef Klemens Czartoryski, living in his home in Korzec while working as a portrait painter and art teacher.

[1] From 1789 to 1794, he lived in Warsaw where he painted for the nobility and the bourgeoisie; notably several portraits of King Stanisław II August, for which he was awarded a diamond ring.

[1] During this time, he created an additional 150 portraits, mostly of the professors at the school and the local nobility, and received several awards from the Emperor.