August Frederic Schenck, German 1828 -1901

Though born in Gluckstadt, Germany, Schenck was to become a Frenchman by naturalization. Intended for a life of business by his parents, he set out for England and Portugal at the age of fourteen, engaging in "mercantile life." Finding, however, an interest in drawing, he left for Paris where he entered the studio of Leon Cogniet, a specialist in historical painting and an Officer in the Legion of Honor.

Making his Salon debut in 1855, Schenck became noted for the charm with which he presented animal life. A somewhat caustic sense of humor carried the animal nature into his work along with suggestions of human relationships. Some of his works could even be cons...