"High Society: The Portraits of Franz Xaver Winterhalter" casts new light on the German-born Winterhalter (1805-1873), who was the most renowned portraitist of the courts of Europe during his day. A well-connected painter, Winterhalter expertly captured the refinement and opulence of his aristocratic sitters. Soon after his appointment as the de facto court painter to King Louis-Philippe, Winterhalter became in demand globally. Yet it was in Paris, during the Second Empire (1852-1870), that Winterhalter hit his mark. He painted supremely fashionable portraits, just when he was reaching the height of his artistic powers. Numerous exquisite paintings that symbolize the entire era are brought together in this richly illustrated volume.