Elisabet Ney

Franzisca Bernadina Wilhelmina Elisabeth Ney was a celebrated Germanborn sculptor who spent the first half of her life and career in Europe, producing sculpted works of famous leaders such as Otto von Bismarck, Giuseppe Garibaldi and King George V of Hanover. At age 39, she immigrated to Texas with her husband Edmund Montgomery and became a pioneer in the development of art there. Among her most famous works during her Texas period were sculptures of Sam Houston and Stephen F. Austin. A large group of her works are housed in the Elisabet Ney Museum, the artists home and studio in Austin. Other works can be found in the Texas State Capitol, the US Capitol, and the Smithsonian American Art Museum.

Ney was born in Mnster, Westphalia, Germany to Johann Adam Ney, a stonecarver, and his wife Anna Elizabeth on January 26, 1833. The only other surviving child in the Ney family was her older brother Fritz. Her parents were Catholics of AlsatianPolish heritage. She was the greatniece of Michel Ney, Marshal of France. Early in life, she declared her goal to know great persons.

Source: Wikipedia