He was born at Donnersdorf in Lower Franconia and was educated at the Polytechnical School and at the Academy of Fine Arts in Munich.

After the early death of his teacher and employer Ernst Mayer he became his successor as professor of sculpture at the Polytechnic School in Munich, where most of his works can be found.

His most notable production was the colossal group of a quadriga and lions on the triumphal arch (1847).

He also carved the lions of the Pinakothek and statues of Roma and Minerva in the palace gardens.

He created 18 colossal statues representing the leading German provinces for the Befreiungshalle at Kelheim; 60 busts for the Pinakothek (Munich); a statue of King Maximilian II for Lindau (1854); a monument of Count Platen at Ansbach (1858); the monument of Marshal Cachahiba d'Argolo in Bahía, Brazil; a statue of King Ludwig I of Bavaria for Kelheim.