Career
His history paintings, portraits, and landscapes are characterized by romantic tendencies. Of these, he is best known for his portraits. He was born in Stuttgart.
In 1797-1798 he studied under Johann Heinrich von Dannecker, then relocated to Paris where he spent 1799 to 1802 in the studio of David.
Between 1802 and 1811 he stayed in Rome, and became an important figure in that city"s artistic life.