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Franz von DefreggerAustrian artist of genre and historical painting
Date of Birth: 30.04.1835
Country:  Austria |
Content:
- Early Life and Education
- Munich and Paris
- Return to Munich and Success
- Academic Career and Honours
- Legacy and Death
Early Life and Education
Franz Defregger, the son of a Tyrolean peasant, sold his inherited homestead in 1860 to pay his sisters' dowries and emigrate to America. However, his plans were thwarted, and he instead traveled to Innsbruck to study under sculptor and professor Michael Stolz.
Munich and Paris
In 1860, Defregger met Karl Theodor von Piloty in Munich, where he enrolled in the preparatory class of the Royal School of Arts and Crafts under Hermann Dyck. In 1861, he passed the entrance exam for the Munich Academy of Fine Arts and studied painting under Hermann Anschütz, a pupil of Cornelius.
After Munich, Defregger spent time in Paris, where he independently studied human anatomy and immersed himself in museums, galleries, and studios.
Return to Munich and Success
In 1865, Defregger returned to Munich and worked on sketches. From 1867 to 1870, he worked in Piloty's studio alongside Hans Makart and Gabriel Max. His works quickly gained public acclaim.
Academic Career and Honours
From 1878 to 1910, Defregger was appointed a professor of historical painting at the Munich Academy. One of his students was Lovis Corinth. Defregger's preferred subjects were portraits, scenes of peasant life, and dramatic depictions of Tyrol's 1809 struggle for freedom.
In 1883, Defregger was ennobled and received numerous awards and honours during his lifetime. Another notable student of his was Hugo Engel. Defregger shared a studio with other Munich School artists, including Rudolf Epp.
Legacy and Death
Franz von Defregger died on January 2, 1921, at the age of 85. He was buried in the family vault at the Munich Nordfriedhof cemetery.
