Alois Knittel

Josef Alois Knittel (20 April 1814, Oberbach – 23 December 1875, Freiburg im Breisgau) was an Austrian-born German sculptor. On his mother's side, he was a nephew of the painter, Joseph Anton Koch; on his father's side, an uncle of Anna Stainer-Knittel. His sons, and also became sculptors.

Biography

His father was a master tailor. He displayed an early talent for art, which prompted his drawing teacher, , to suggest that he be sent to Munich for further studies. In 1835, he enrolled at the Academy of Fine Arts there; becoming a student of Ludwig Schwanthaler and Peter von Cornelius.

He completed his studies in 1838, and settled in Munich. Kopf would later create works from Knittel's original models. His niece, Anna, came to him in 1867, seeking his support for her proposed marriage, which her father was trying to prevent.

He was awarded a major commission by Mayor Carl Röttinger to create four statues, depicting the seasons, for the grounds of the Freiburg railway station. He had barely completed the preliminary sketches when he died of heart failure. His widow and two sons continued to operate his studio for many years. Statues representing Theory and Technology, on the old Realschule, were demolished during construction of the University Library in 1978, as they had been damaged during the war.