One of the greatest American still-life Painters of the 19th century. He specialized in fruit and flower still-lifes.
He worked as a porcelain Painter in Cologne before moving to New York in 1848. He was allowed to exhibit 11 paintings between 1848 and 1852 at the American Art-Union.
His technique was largely inspired by 17th-century Dutch still-life artists such as Jan van Huysem.
His personal life was not well-known. However, a newspaper profile from 1895 reported on his popularity and generosity and his profound love for beer. According to the profile, his studio rarely lacked beer or friends.
His work preceded such art forms as the photomontage pioneered by Dada Artist Hannah Hoch.
