Johann Philipp Anton Freiherr von und zu Franckenstein, born in Forchheim on 27 March 1695, appointed in 1743 as Vicar-General of Mainz, was from 1746 to 1753 ruling Prince-bishop of Bamberg.

When Prince-Bishop Friedrich Karl Graf von Schönborn died on 26 July 1746 in Würzburg, Franckenstein was elected bishop of Bamberg and became his successor with Pope Benedict XIV confirming the appointment on 19 December 1746.

After his election, which was also supported by Empress Maria Theresa (she thanked him for his patriotic sentiments), he quickly reached a settlement with his cathedral chapter as prince-bishop and was able to settle centuries-old disputes.

He also brought the painter Giuseppe Appiani to Bamberg and commissioned him to produce a magnificent large ceiling fresco in the White Hall of Seehof Castle.

Philipp Anton was benevolent and popular as prince-bishop, he loved Italian arts and architecture and had the residence and Seehof castle considerably enlarged and renewed.