Art Lovers' Niche - Feb 17, 2025

Born in Germany, Weyl immigrated to Williamsport, Pennsylvania in 1853 and in 1861 moved to Washington, D.C., where he opened a jewelry store. Not trained as an artist, Weyl started painting flowers and still-lifes as a hobby. It was not until 1870 that he began to display his artwork in the window of his jewelry store. Samuel Kauffmann, president of the board of trustees of the Corcoran Gallery of Art and publisher of the "Evening Star" newspaper, brought his watch to Weyl for repair. He was immediately taken with Weyl's displayed artwork and bought a small landscape.

Weyl's reputation grew and he drew many Washington, D.C. patrons including the former Brazilian Ambassador, Salvador de Mendonca. In addition, the wife of U.S. President Grover Cleveland and the 1st wife of U.S. President Woodrow Wilson bought Weyl's landscapes for the Whitehouse. Georgetown University, the Virginian Military Institute, Kiplingers Washington Editors and the Cosmos Club also purchased Weyl's paintings. In 1879, Weyl travelled to Europe to study art in Munich, Paris, Vienna and Venice. Following his return he, with other area artists, founded the Washington Landscape School.