Piazza San Giovanni in Laterano, Rome

Initially German, Heilbuth later became a naturalised Frenchman. Studies in Munich, Anvers and Rome led him to Gleyre's Paris studio in 1847. His romantic historical painting was much admired at the time. Later he would concentrate on landscapes. In 1870 he went to London to escape the troubles in Paris and was inspired by the works of Turner. His later works showed his interest in the expression of light an atmosphere, though he did not adopt an Impressionist style.