Fuchs, Emil, 1866-1929

Emil Fuchs was born in Vienna, Austria in 1866. He studied art in Vienna and Berlin before emigrating to London in 1897, where he exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1898. Fuchs' work as a medallist and sculptor was well received and his portraits became very fashionable, notably among the British royal family. He modeled a number of medals, portraying Princess Alexandra, which were struck for Queen Victoria; executed a coronation medal for Edward VII; and created the King's likeness for a penny postage stamp. Fuchs was principally a medallist and sculptor until 1898 when he commenced an intensive study of painting.

Fuchs was principally a medallist and sculptor until 1898 when he commenced an intensive study of painting. He learned quickly with the help of his friend John Singer Sargent and soon became a skilled and much sought after portraitist. During World War I Fuchs moved to New York and offered help to the American war effort, becoming an American citizen in 1924. He continued to work and live in New York until his death by suicide in 1929.