Lady (Feodora Georgina Maud) Gleichen Paintings

Lady Feodora Georgina Maud Gleichen was an artist of noble birth, known for her work as a sculptor during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born on December 20, 1861, in London, she was the eldest daughter of Admiral Prince Victor of Hohenlohe-Langenburg (a nephew of Queen Victoria) and Laura Seymour, the daughter of Sir George Seymour. Gleichen was part of the extended British royal family, which gave her a unique position in society.

Gleichen was raised in an artistic environment, which greatly influenced her career choice. She studied sculpture under the tutelage of her father and later at the South Kensington School of Art. She further honed her skills in Rome, which was a center for aspiring artists during that era. Her work was classical in nature, often focusing on busts, statues, and relief sculptures. She became the first female member of the Royal British Society of Sculptors and was also a member of the Royal Society of Arts.

Throughout her career, Lady Gleichen received many commissions and her works were exhibited widely, including at the Royal Academy of Arts in London. Her notable works include the statue of Queen Victoria for the Royal Victoria Hospital in Montreal and a memorial for the nurses of the South African War at St Paul's Cathedral. She also sculpted numerous portraits of high-profile figures of her time.

Despite the privileges that her aristocratic background afforded, Lady Gleichen was committed to advancing her career solely on the basis of her talent and dedication to her craft. She never married and devoted her life to her art. She lived and worked at St James's Palace, where she had her studio. Lady Gleichen died on January 22, 1922, leaving behind a legacy as one of the few female sculptors of her time to achieve public recognition and professional success.