Carl Spitzweg

Carl Spitzweg was a self-taught artist. Born in Bavaria, Germany into a wealthy merchant's family, Spitzweg at first became a pharmacist. While recovering from an illness, he took up painting by copying Flemish masters. He began contributing illustrations to newspapers and in 1833, after receiving his inheritance money, Spitzweg dedicated himself fully to his painting.

He traveled to Prague, Venice, Paris, London and Belgium, studying the works of other painters and refining his technique and style. He preferred to portray everyday scenes from small town and rural life. He died in Munich.