Franz von Defregger (1835-1921), who belongs to the ranks of the Munich painter princes, begins his memoirs with the theme of his rural origins from Tyrol. His paintings, often humorously depicting the idyllic and elevated rural life, were highly sought after worldwide in the 19th century. They were part of the canon of German art and featured in German schoolbooks. In his memoirs, the Bavarian-assimilated Austrian and academy professor describes everyday life and daily events. His life narrative casually paints a picture of an entire era. His integration into a large social network of like-minded individuals, as well as his interest in people from other cultures, are also subjects of his reflections. The book invites the reader to discover the face behind the icon. Unpublished images and source materials, along with numerous comments on contemporary artists, writers, musicians, actors, singers, and statesmen, richly complement the memoirs of someone unjustly forgotten by art history after 1945.