Ludwig Thiersch was a pioneering art teacher at the Athens school of fine art from 1852-55, who brought a new vision and western ideas to Greece.

Nikolaos Gysis and Nikiforos Lytras were amongst his pupils.

Gysis and Lytras were also Ludwig Thierch’s apprentices during the painting of frescos in the Russian church of Athens (Virgin and the saviour of Lykodemon).