Ferdinand Knab (1834–1902) was a master of German Romanticism and Architectural Realism, best known for his "poetic" depictions of ruins bathed in the golden light of dusk. Originally trained in architecture in Nuremberg, he moved to Munich in 1859 to study under the renowned masters Arthur von Ramberg and Carl Theodor von Piloty. His immense talent caught the eye of King Ludwig II of Bavaria, who became his most significant patron. Under the King's commission, Knab created grand decorative works for the Munich Residenz and Linderhof Palace, and even designed the stage sets for Mozart’s The Magic Flute.
Knab’s style is defined by a hauntingly beautiful "elegiac melancholy," where crumbling Roman columns and ancient temples are reclaimed by nature under glowing, atmospheric skies. For a cross-stitcher, Knab’s work offers a breathtaking play of color—from the deep, "glaucous" neutrals of stone to the vibrant oranges and pinks of a setting sun. Translating a Knab landscape into a counted cross stitch design allows you to capture a sense of timelessness and peace, making it a perfect choice for those who love the intersection of history, architecture, and the natural world.