Artist and film pioneer, born in Waal, Germany. He studied art at Southampton, Munich, and the College of Art in South Kensington, and in 1870 settled in London, England, UK. As well as painting, he worked as an engraver, wood-carver, ironsmith, architect, journalist, playwright, composer, singer, and actor. He was also a pioneer producer/director of British silent films, with his own studio at Bushey, Hertfordshire. He later became professor of fine art at Oxford (1889--94). His portrait paintings included those of Wagner, Ruskin, and Lord Kelvin. He was knighted in 1907.