A Cyclopaedia of Female Biography/Egloffstein, Julie, Countess von
EGLOFFSTEIN, JULIE, COUNTESS VON,
A distinguished German artist, was for many years demoiselle d'honneur to the Grand Duchess Luise Weimar. Her vocation for painting was early displayed, but combated and discouraged as derogatory to her station. A journey to Italy, undertaken on account of her health, fixed her destiny for life; yet in her peculiar circumstances it required real strength of mind to take the step she has; but a less decided course could not well have emancipated her from trammels, the force of which can hardly be estimated out of Germany. There is nothing mannered or conventional in her style, and she possesses the rare gift of original and creative genius.
"When I have looked at the Countess Julie in her painting room," says Mrs. Jameson, "surrounded by her drawings, models, and casts—all the powers of her exuberant enthusiastic mind flowing free in their natural direction, I have felt at once pleasure, and admiration, and respect. It should seem that the energy of spirit and real magnanimity of mind, which could trample over social prejudices, not the less strong because manifestly absurd, united to genius and perseverance, may, if life be granted, safely draw upon futurity both for success and for fame."