Artist. A self-taught painter, he is considered to be one of the most important artists of the Biedermeier era in Europe, famous for picturesque portraits and scenes of petty bourgeoisie. He was born in Unterpfaffenhofen, Germany to a wealthy merchant father, who arranged to have him trained as a pharmacist at the University of Munich, in Germany. He became ill after attaining his degree and decided to take up painting during his recovery, and started copying the works of Flemish artists. In 1833, upon receiving an inheritance, he dedicated his life to painting. He later visited the European art centers to study the works of various artists in order to refine his technique and painting style. Many of his works depict sharply characterized eccentrics, like "The Bookworm" (1850) and "The Hypochondriac" (c. 1865). His other notable works include "The Poor Poet" (1839, probably his most popular work), "In the Harem" (after 1855), and "Zeitungslerer im Hausgarthchen" (between 1845 and 1858). His later works are often humorous in nature. He died in Munich, Germany at the age of 78.
Artist. A self-taught painter, he is considered to be one of the most important artists of the Biedermeier era in Europe, famous for picturesque portraits and scenes of petty bourgeoisie. He was born in Unterpfaffenhofen, Germany to a wealthy merchant father, who arranged to have him trained as a pharmacist at the University of Munich, in Germany. He became ill after attaining his degree and decided to take up painting during his recovery, and started copying the works of Flemish artists. In 1833, upon receiving an inheritance, he dedicated his life to painting. He later visited the European art centers to study the works of various artists in order to refine his technique and painting style. Many of his works depict sharply characterized eccentrics, like "The Bookworm" (1850) and "The Hypochondriac" (c. 1865). His other notable works include "The Poor Poet" (1839, probably his most popular work), "In the Harem" (after 1855), and "Zeitungslerer im Hausgarthchen" (between 1845 and 1858). His later works are often humorous in nature. He died in Munich, Germany at the age of 78.
Bio by: William Bjornstad
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