![Wilhelm von Kaulbach - King Ludwid I Surrounded by Artists and Scholars [1848]](http://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8812/18230499656_04f9b0a720_o.jpg)
Wilhelm von Kaulbach (Bad Arolsen, October 15, 1805 - April 7, 1874) was a German painter, noted mainly as a muralist, but also as a book illustrator. His murals decorate buildings in Munich. His father combined painting and engraving with the goldsmith's trade. The family was so poor that he and his sister were glad to accept even stale bread from the peasantry in exchange for the father's engravings. Young Kaulbach contended against hardships, even hunger. But his courage never failed; and, uniting genius with industry, he was soon foremost among the young national party which sought to revive the arts of Germany.
[Neue Pinakothek, Munich - Sketch for the wall painting on the exterior of the Neue Pinakothek]