The most distinguishing feature of Stieler's portraits is his utter focus on the sitter. Decorative additions are left out, and there is nothing that distracts the viewer's scrutiny. Stieler accomplished this concentration through deliberate light and dark contrast, which above all highlights the accurately characterized facial features. Gallery References 19th-century German painters 19th-century German male artists German male painters German portrait painters Artists from Mainz 1781 births 1858 deaths