Egidius Mengelberg

In 1790, he copied works at the Gemäldegalerie Düsseldorf [de] on behalf of Charles Theodore, Elector of Bavaria, for a copper engraving catalog of the collection.

As a result, Mengelberg turned to designing wallpapers, wall murals, and furnishings for the wealthy families of Elberfeld.

During this time, he fell in love with Anne Lisette Risse, whose strict Protestant parents would not allow her to marry a Catholic.

After she became pregnant with their second son, Otto (who would also become a painter), her parents relented and agreed to a formal marriage, which took place in 1816.

In 1822, they settled in Cologne and he founded the "Elementar-Zeichenschule für Bauleute und Professionalisten" (Elementary Drawing School for Builders and Professionals), a private Sunday school where unskilled workers were taught various arts and crafts, free of charge.