Born in Amsterdam, Cornelius Krieghoff (1815-1872) learned about music and painting from his father before attending the Akademie der Bildenden Künste in Düsseldorf (1830). Krieghoff moved to the United States in 1835 to enlist in the US Army for a three-year term. It was in New York that Krieghoff met Louise Gauthier, a French-Canadian; he soon moved to Montréal with Louise to work as a musician, painter and a household tradesman. It was not until 1846 that Krieghoff established himself as a professional artist (after working in Rochester, NY, and travelling to Paris). Krieghoff remained in Montréal until 1853, at which point he moved to Québec City (1853-63). Europe was to be his base from 1863-70, before settling in Chicago where he resided until his death.

Krieghoff quickly established a niche with his painting, focusing on two themes: rural Francophones and Aboriginals and picturesque landscapes. Krieghoff is also known for his prolific entrepreneurial skills, selling his work through auctions, dealer representation, subscriptions purchased via local newspapers (for prints), and regular commissions. Krieghoff’s nostalgic depictions of life in rural Canada instantly became appealing souvenirs to the urban middle class. His work has maintained its historical significance through both its documentary and artistic characteristics.