Amalia Küssner Coudert was a renowned miniaturist born on August 23, 1863, in Terre Haute, Indiana. Her father, Gustav Küssner, was a musician who had emigrated from Germany, while her mother, Amelia, was from a French family. Amalia was the second of three daughters, and from a young age, she displayed a talent for art, particularly in the meticulous and delicate art of miniature painting.
In her early career, Amalia moved to New York City, where she studied with renowned miniature painter Isaac A. Josephi. She quickly gained a reputation for her exquisite miniatures, which were painted on ivory. Her clientele included many high-profile figures of the time, ranging from society elites to prominent politicians. Her work was characterized by its fine detail, luminous quality, and the ability to capture the likeness and character of her subjects.
Küssner Coudert achieved international fame, with her miniatures being exhibited in the United States and Europe. She was particularly successful in Paris, where she became a favorite artist among the aristocracy and was known for her miniatures of women of high society. She married a Frenchman, Alphonse Coudert, who was a lawyer, and she often used his last name professionally.
Throughout her career, Amalia's works were displayed at numerous exhibitions, including the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago in 1893, where she received a medal for her miniatures. She also exhibited at the Paris Salon and the Royal Academy in London, earning high praise and awards.
Amalia Küssner Coudert's miniatures are now considered fine examples of the art form, and they can be found in museum collections and as cherished heirlooms in private collections. She passed away on March 1, 1937, in New York City, leaving behind a legacy as one of the foremost miniaturists of her time.