Ferdinand Kobell German, 1740-1799

Much more than a painter, Kobell was an important figure in the history of German engraving, and created over 300 etchings over the course of his career. While studying at the University of Heidelberg, Kobell was approached by the Elector of Bavaria, who admired one of his landscapes; with the elector's support, Kobell was able to paint full-time. After a subsequent period of study in Paris, he was appointed to the position of painter to the Cabinet, and later became a professor at the Academy. His sons Franz and Wilhelm von Kobell would go on to become painters themselves.