Dannecker, JOHANN HEINRICH VON

Dannecker, JOHANN HEINRICH VON, a German sculptor, was born at Waldenbuch, in the district of Stuttgart, 15th October 1758. His parents were in the humblest circumstances; but through the favour of the Duke of Württemberg, he received a good education at the military academy at Ludwigsburg. His artistic talents were rapidly developed. In 1780 he obtained the prize for the best model of 'Milo;' and in 1783 went to Paris, where he studied for two years; after which he returned to Rome, where he met Goethe, Herder, and Canova, to the last of whom he was indebted for much valuable instruction. At Rome Dannecker remained till 1790. Here he executed in marble his statues of 'Ceres' and 'Bacchus.' On his return to Germany, the Duke of Württemberg appointed him professor of Sculpture in the Academy of Stuttgart, in which city he resided till his death, 8th December 1841. Dannecker was undoubtedly one of the best of modern sculptors. His forte lay in expressing individual characteristics, in which respect he has not been surpassed. This gives a great value to his busts of distinguished persons, such as Schiller, Lavater, and Gluck. His earlier works are chiefly pagan in their subjects, while his later ones are Christian, and are pervaded by a pensive idealism. 'Ariadne on the Panther' (1816; at Frankfurt) is his masterpiece.