Hermann von Kaulbach was born in Munich in 1846. His father Wilhelm von Kaulbach was a painter, noted mainly as a muralist. Hermann Kaulbach first studied medicine, but quit school to study painting instead. In 1867, he became a student of Karl von Piloty. Under his influence, Kaulbach devoted himself almost entirely to historical themes.

Ultimately though, he became best known for his portraits of children. He made two study trips to Rome, in 1880 and 1891. Meantime, in 1886, he was appointed a Professor of History Painting at the Academy of Fine Arts Munich. In 1906 he published a picture book, with children as motifs. Kaulbach died in 1909....