Max Nonnenbruch studied at the academy in Düsseldorf and Munich under Wilh. v. Lindenschmit. In Paris and Italy he continued his education at the École des Beaux-Arts and the Academie Julian.

In 1884 he settled in Munich and became a highly sought-after artist with his neoclassical and symbolist paintings, whose works were widely published. At the center of his artistic work are depictions of young women, whose beauty he sought to immortalize in allegorical and symbolist works.

In 1887 Nonnenbruch made his debut at the Munich Art Association, followed by numerous participations in the exhibitions in the Munich Glass Palace and in the Great Berlin Art Exhibition