His artistic training took place entirely in Zürich, where he also spent most of his working career.
As a result, his early works were heavily influenced by Flemish painting from the Dutch Golden Age.
During his stay there, he worked closely with his fellow Swiss artist, Jacob Maurer [de], who introduced him to the art dealer, Cornelis Ploos van Amstel.
His best known works are those portraying the Rhône Glacier; done at the behest of the English naturalist, John Strange, in a style reminiscent of Jacob van Ruisdael.
His use of rugged landscapes with tiny figures for staffage became essential design elements in Romantic painting.