[Born at Leipzig, in Saxony, 1794. Still living.]
First studied under his father, who was Director of the Academy at
Leipzig. In 1811, went to Vienna to get instruction there; but found
little to gratify his taste, or to encourage his genius. In 1817,
travelled into Italy, and there made the acquaintance of Ludwig, then
Crown Prince of Bavaria. At Rome worked at the Villa Massimi, where
Cornelius was also employed, and where he produced in the space of five
years his eleven frescos from the Orlando Furioso of Ariosto. Called to
Munich in 1827, he received there the appointment of Professor of
Historical Painting in the Academy, and painted for the King of Bavaria
his admirable frescos illustrating “The Nibelungen-Lied.” In 1846,
accepted an invitation to Dresden. Schnorr is chiefly known to us by his
beautiful illustrations of the Bible. Amongst all the fresco painters of
Munich he stands unrivalled for combining individual life with ideal
composition.
[From the plaster model by Ernst Rietschel, dated 1848. In the
possession of the sculptor.]