Wilhelm Camphausen (1818–1885) was renowned in Germany as a patriotic historical and battle painter. He studied under Alfred Rethel and Friedrich Wilhelm Schadow, and rapidly gained popularity as a professional artist. He was appointed professor of painting at the Düsseldorf Academy in 1859. In 1864 he accompanied the Prussian forces during the Schleswig-Holstein campaign and painted several scenes of the fighting as well as scenes of the War of 1866, securing his renown in Germany as a representative of patriotic historical art. He also painted many portraits of German princes and celebrated soldiers and statesmen. In the 1870 Franco-Prussian War Camphausen served in the German army as an official war artist. His works are in many public collections, including Berlin National Gallery, Cologne Museum and Munich Pinakothek.
