Albert Anker (1831-1910) Swiss artist and son a well-known veterinary
surgeon of the time. He had a sister, Louise, of whom he was especially
fond. Although as a boy he drew all the time, he began his studies in
theology. When Anker was 16 both his mother and his brother died. When
he was 22 his beloved sister Louise also died. The many letters they sent
to each other show the warmth and confidence they shared. In 1864 he
married Anna Ruefly, a friend of his sister Louise and in 1865 they were
blessed with their first child, a daughter christened Louise. Anker was to
paint her portrait many times. Two years later they had a second child,
Rudolf, who died tragically when just a toddler. In 1870 the couple had
a second son, Emil. Emil would only live for 1 year. In 1872 Anna bore
their second daughter, Marie, who lived to exchange an extensive series
of letters with her father. Two years later they had their third son whom
they named Maurice. Naturally, the couple was tormented for years with
fears for this son after losing 2 other sons when so very young. The boy
would grow to be a strong, good natured man who lived until he was 57.
When Anker was 70 years of age he suffered a stroke which paralyzed
his right hand. He was forced to give up oil painting but switched to the
use of watercolors employing his right hand.

Daughter Louise

Education throughout Europe at the time was greatly influenced by the
Swiss educational reformer Johann Heinrich Pestalozzi (1746-1827). He
was greatly influenced by Rousseau's Emile. For over 30 years he wrote
on behalf of the poor and education while living in near isolation. By his
own account the happiest days of his life were those spent caring for
the many destitute war orphans he collected when over 50 years old.
Many of his ideas are used in modern day schools such as including
exercise and other participatory activities, addressing the individual
needs of each child, and formal teacher training. His work continually
stressed the importance of the child's mother whose example and efforts
manifest themselves within the school and the larger community.

First Smile

Self-Portrait