Gabriel Schachinger, Sweet Reflections

The generous contribution of the David Family, in memory of Edward M. David, made possible the conservation of this work in 1988.

Sweet Reflections is a painting of great virtuosity. Gabriel Schachinger, the court painter to King Ludwig II of Bavaria, was a master of confectionary realism. Here one can almost hear the crinkle of the young woman's ball gown and feel the extraordinary decorations on her fashionable bolero jacket. Exotic peacock feathers frame the reflection of her face in the mirror. Proper, impeccably clothed, and prosperous, she is likely on her way to a ball or fancy party, checking her appearance on her way out the door with a self-approving gaze.

Click on the links to view more of the Founder’s Gallery: 

• Portrait of Charles Knox Smith
• The Fatal Wounding of Sir Philip Sidney
• Abraham Lincoln
• America
• Mrs. John Julius Angerstein
• Morning in the Kaaterskill Clove
• Sunset in the Berkshire Hills 
• Martha Hovenden and Her Dog
• Portrait of Henrietta Teackle
• Portrait of Esther Maria Fisher Teackle
• Portrait of an Actor