Johann Stenglin hailed from the home of a prosperous burgher, allowing him the privilege to study under the renowned artist, Johann Georg Friedrich Bodener of the esteemed mezzotintist lineage. With an invitation from Shtelin, Stenglin ventured to St. Petersburg to contribute his talent to the art division of the Academy of Sciences. His initiation into the field was far from smooth; his early pieces were noticeably raw. A disagreement with director Schumacher led to Stenglin’s abrupt departure from the Academy.
In 1750, fate took Stenglin to Moscow. Here, he crafted a niche for himself with his exquisite miniature portraits. Fortune smiled upon him once again when his old ally, Academician Shtelin, offered him shelter in the Bestuzhev residence, facilitating his return to his passion. Further extending his generosity, Shtelin beckoned Stenglin back to the Academy, entrusting him with the responsibility of imparting engraving skills to Vasily Sokolov and Yelisey Fedorov.
Throughout his life, Stenglin’s brush and chisel danced to create numerous masterpieces. He immortalized many notable figures of his era, ranging from Russian monarchs to luminaries like the mathematician Euler and Schumacher. Today, many of his engravings proudly adorn the walls of prestigious collections, renowned museums, and elite offices. Art enthusiasts can now own a piece of Stenglin’s legacy by exploring the online collection at the Rios Art Gallery.
