German sculptor known for his major works in the cities of Dresden (Gänsediebbrunnen/ Goose-thief Fountain, 1878; Twin fountains Stille Wasser und Stürmische Wogen/ Still Water and Stormy Waves, 1883-1894; Bismarck Monument, 1903), Braunschweig (Heimkehr des Kriegers/ Return of the Warrior) and Meiningen (Bechsteinbrunnen Bechstein Fountain, 1909).
He was the son of Pößneck’s Mayor. His artistic inclinations began to emerge at his grandparents home in Sonneberg, the center of the German toy-making industry. During his years at the Gymnasium in Meiningen, he lived with his uncle Samuel Friedrich Diez, the Court Painter, who strongly encouraged Robert to pursue a career in art. He began his artistic training in 1863 at the Dresden Academy of Fine Arts. From 1867 to 1870, he was a pupil of Johannes Schilling. After his father died and he lost his means of support, he went to work in Schilling’s studio. By 1872, he was able to open a studio of his own and take the traditional study trip to Rome.
He was made an honorary member of the Academy in 1881. He succeeded Ernst Julius Hähnel at the Master Studio for Plastic Arts and became a member of the Academic Council in 1891. He was named a full Professor shortly thereafter. Ernst Barlach and Selmar Werner were among his best-known students. He became a member of the Royal Academy of Arts in 1895. In 1912, he received an appointment as a Geheimrat (royal official). He died on 7 October 1922 in Loschwitz at age 78.
Link to Wikipedia biography