Gabriel von Max was a German painter born on July 24, 1840, in Prague. He is best known for his unique style that combined realism with elements of symbolism and fantasy. His works often featured animals, particularly monkeys, which he portrayed with human-like expressions and emotions. This focus on animals reflected his interest in the relationship between humans and nature. Max studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Munich and became associated with the Munich School of painting. Throughout his career, he exhibited widely and gained recognition for his imaginative compositions. He passed away on August 24, 1915, leaving behind a significant artistic legacy.