Franz Steinfeld

He initially studied sculpting with his father but, at the suggestion of the engraver, Francesco Vasanova (1727–1802), he was enrolled at the Academy of Fine Arts, Vienna.

There, he studied with Laurenz Janscha, Martin von Molitor [de] and Albert Christoph Dies.

As an instructor, he encouraged drawing and painting from nature ("en plein aire") and sought to have the windows at the academy enlarged to provide more light.

He made numerous trips throughout Italy, Germany and Switzerland, and an extended stay in Belgium with Josef Danhauser.

He was among the earliest painters to work in the Alps, and helped bring a more Classical approach to landscapes.